Liverpool have clinched their first win of the season in Bradley Barcola's debut
Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC
Andoni Iraola has to deal with a huge departure from Anfield(Image: (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images))
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Alexander Isak’s first brace for the Reds secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, giving Liverpool their first Premier League win of the season. The result on Friday nighy came as a welcome relief after opening the campaign with consecutive 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
The evening also featured the highly anticipated debut of Bradley Barcola, who made a 26-minute cameo following his £123million transfer. The winger came on for Victor Munoz and looked dangerous on the left wing in what was a welcome sight for fans who had been awaiting his arrival for much of the summer.
While the French international celebrated a winning start to his Anfield career, he received a post-match warning - just as manager Andoni Iraola prepares to navigate a major departure from the club.
Barcola handed warning
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Bradley Barcola of Liverpool is challenged by Abdul Fatawu of Ipswich Town during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC at Portman Road on September 04, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola made his Liverpool debut against Ipswich Town(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcola represents Liverpool's latest high-profile acquisition, and the Frenchman made an encouraging debut against Ipswich Town. The 23-year-old entered the fray in the 64th minute and displayed his exceptional pace and technical ability during his stint at Portman Road.
While his arrival on the left wing saw Cody Gakpo shift into a central role after Isak's withdrawal, Barcola has been cautioned that breaking into the starting XI will prove challenging due to the Dutchman's excellent form.
Gakpo has arguably been Liverpool's standout performer across their opening three fixtures, finding the net once and providing three assists, despite a proposed £85m transfer to Manchester City on deadline day falling through.
Jamie Carragher conceded on X that Barcola could well find himself restricted to the bench with Gakpo performing at the top of his game. The Liverpool legend posted following Friday's match: "Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo."
Hughes exit confirmed
Richard Hughes, sporting director at Liverpool fc during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge
Richard Hughes has left Liverpool(Image: 2025 Robin Jones)
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Liverpool have confirmed the departure of Richard Hughes following his two-year spell as sporting director. The Reds broke the news on Saturday, with the Scotsman now widely anticipated to take up a position at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
Hughes notified Liverpool of his wish to leave Anfield earlier this year, but agreed to stay in his post for the duration of the summer transfer window. Since arriving at the club in 2024, Hughes has overseen the transition from Jurgen Klopp and appointed Arne Slot upon taking up his own role.
Hughes' time on Merseyside has seen the Reds claim the Premier League title and invest approximately £670m across five transfer windows. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) president Mike Gordon is spearheading the hunt for the club's next sporting director.
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While the timing of Hughes' potential successor's appointment remains unclear, the club are leaning on other senior figures to shoulder his responsibilities in the interim. That includes the likes of FSG technical director Julian Ward, FSG director of football development Pedro Marques, assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter and Iraola.