Liverpool eventually signed Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £123million this summer, and the Reds' marquee addition could make his debut on Friday
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool
Bradley Barcola could make his Liverpool debut against Ipswich(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool have been told why Bradley Barcola should already be ready to compete in the Premier League following his big-money transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds completed the signing of the France international shortly before deadline day as they looked to strengthen the wide forward department.
Barcola arrived at Liverpool after the Reds agreed a £123million deal with PSG for the two-time Champions League winner, and was the final new addition to Andoni Iraola’s squad.
Liverpool also signed Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo this summer, with the trio already playing a key role in the opening two games of the Premier League season.
Friday night will see Liverpool travel away to Ipswich Town as they look to get their first win of the new season, having been held to draws in their first two matches against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Ahead of the game, former Barcelona star Gaizka Mendieta has explained why he doesn’t expect Barcola to require time to settle in following his move from Paris to Merseyside.
“Bradley Barcola is a great signing,” Mendieta told Casinolyze. “I think the moment he decided to leave PSG, clubs and PSG themselves, understood that they didn’t want to hold onto a player who didn’t want to be there.
“We knew the price tag would be massive, over a hundred million, and he's ended up at Liverpool. He obviously adds great value to that club.
“I don't think he will need much time to adapt because of his style of football, his pace, his 1v1 ability, and his goal-scoring record are well-suited for it.
“I think the Premier League is, in a way, easier for those types of players to adapt to, and fans will enjoy him very soon. Having competition for the other attacking spots is great for Iraola to have that level of quality.
“But as we mentioned before, he comes with added pressure. Of course, players need to deliver, but the manager will also be scrutinised for how he manages and gets the best out of those players.”
Iraola confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Thursday that he hopes to have Barcola available for the clash against Ipswich, where the new Liverpool signing could make his debut.
"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.
"He is playing well for us and if everything goes well in training today he will definitely be available for us tomorrow."