Barcola Set for Liverpool Debut After Joining from PSG

Bradley Barcola has barely unpacked his bags, but he is already in line to feature for Liverpool on Friday night.

The French winger, a two-time Champions League winner, completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday and has gone straight to work with his new teammates ahead of the Premier League trip to Portman Road.

After three sessions with the squad, head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed the 21-year-old is on course to be involved against Ipswich.

“We are very happy with Bradley,” Iraola said on Thursday morning. “It was our priority, let’s say, to sign a very, very good player in that position.

“I think he has come also with the right mentality. I’ve liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here and I think that’s a good first sign.

“Being the player that he is and the things that he has won recently, I think he has come also with the willingness to help us. I’m very happy with him.

“He trained well with us. If everything goes well in today’s training also, he will definitely be available for tomorrow, yes.”

Availability is one thing. Starting is another.

Asked if Barcola is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola did not commit.

“It’s a good question, it’s a good question,” he replied. “I see him in a good place. He has trained with us in three trainings.

“It’s true that he hasn’t had minutes in pre-season but he has been training normal with the group. Then it’s a decision we have to make.

“I think he’s in a good place but we also have to consider that he hasn’t had the minutes in the pre-season games.”

A proven European winner, eager to prove himself in England, cleared to play on opening night. The only call left is how big a role Iraola is ready to hand him straight away.