Bradley Barcola is in line to make his Liverpool debut on Friday night against Ipswich Town after impressing manager Andoni Iraola in training, with an update issued in Friday's press conference
Bradley Barcola is in line to play a part in Liverpool's game against Ipswich on Friday
Bradley Barcola is in line to play a part in Liverpool's game against Ipswich on Friday(Image: Getty)
Andoni Iraola has dropped a huge hint that big-money summer signing Bradley Barcola will be available for selection ahead of Liverpool’s third Premier League game of the season against Ipswich Town.
The Reds signed Barcola in a $166 million transfer from back-to-back Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain. The France international signed a five-year contract and will wear the No. 29 shirt for the Reds.
Barcola became the third Liverpool signing in the last summer whose total package exceeded the $100M mark, raising expectations for his debut campaign at Anfield. His first cameo, either starting for Iraola or coming off the bench, appears likely for Friday, when the Reds travel to play newly promoted Ipswich.
Manager Iraola expressed his joy with Barcola in training, and has hinted that he will play a part on Friday, should Thursday’s training go smoothly.
The Reds are yet to win in the Premier League this season following back-to-back 2-2 draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. “We are very happy with Bradley; it was our priority to sign a very, very good player in those positions,” Iraola said.
“He has come also with the right mentality. I like that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He wanted to come here.
“It's a good first sign, and being the player he is, he has come with the willingness to help us.
Bradley Barcola new signing of Liverpool at AXA Training Centre
Bradley Barcola was one of several signings for Liverpool in the summer transfer window(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
"He is playing well for us, and if everything goes well in training today, he will definitely be available for us tomorrow.”
However, Iraola said that the team will consider Barcola’s lack of minutes in pre-season. The 24-year-old was part of the France team that finished fourth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in July.
"I see him in a good place. He has trained for us, it's true he hasn't had minutes in pre-season,” Iraola continued.
“He has been training, and it's a decision we have to make. But we have to consider he hasn't had minutes in pre-season games."
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool standing on the field at Anfield
Bradley Barcola was unveiled as a Liverpool player(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Barcola is excited for the next chapter in his already impressive career. He joined Liverpool, a three-time Ligue 1 and back-to-back Champions League winner.
"It's a great pride to be able to play for Liverpool. I'm very happy," Barcola said. "It took a long time but I'm really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play.
"I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League – it's one of my biggest dreams in my life.
"It is to do that and to stay in this team in the long term – that's why I signed a long contract – and I hope I can do it."