Bradley Barcola Joins Liverpool: Iraola's Priority Signing

Bradley Barcola has barely walked through the door at Liverpool, but Andoni Iraola already sounds like a coach who has got exactly what he wanted.

The French winger, a two-time Champions League winner, wrapped up his move from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday and has wasted no time getting to work. He has already trained with his new teammates and is expected to be in the squad when the Reds open their Premier League campaign at Portman Road on Friday night.

“Our priority” – Iraola gets his man

Facing the media on Thursday morning, Iraola did not hide how central Barcola was to Liverpool’s summer plans.

“We are very happy with Bradley. It was our priority, let's say, to sign a very, very good player in that position,” he said, underlining just how heavily the club had targeted the 21-year-old.

What seems to have impressed him most is not just the CV, but the attitude.

“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,” Iraola explained.

Barcola arrives with serious pedigree after his success in Europe with PSG, yet Iraola stressed that the forward has not come to Merseyside to coast.

“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,” the head coach added.

Ready for Portman Road?

Barcola has trained fully with the group this week and, fitness permitting, will be in contention against Ipswich Town.

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

The bigger question is whether “available” means “starting”.

Asked directly if Barcola is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola paused on the dilemma every manager faces with a marquee signing who is short of match rhythm.

“It's a good question, it's a good question,” he admitted. “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.”

So the stage is set. Barcola is through the door, cleared to play and already trusted by his manager. The only thing left to discover is how quickly Liverpool choose to unleash him.