Bradley Barcola Set for Premier League Debut with Liverpool

Bradley Barcola has barely unpacked his bags, but Liverpool are already weighing up whether to throw him straight into the Premier League spotlight.

The French winger, a two-time Champions League winner, finalised his move from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday and has already joined full training with his new teammates. If all goes to plan in Thursday’s final session, he will be in the squad for Friday night’s trip to Portman Road.

Iraola’s priority signing

Speaking on Thursday morning, head coach Andoni Iraola made it clear this was the deal Liverpool were determined to get over the line.

“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.

What impressed Iraola most wasn’t just the medals on Barcola’s CV, but the intent behind the move.

“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.”

Barcola has already taken part in three training sessions with the Reds, slotting into a group that is preparing for the intensity of a Premier League opener away from home.

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

Start or wait?

Available is one thing. Starting is another.

When pressed on whether Barcola is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola paused on the dilemma facing many managers with a marquee arrival who has barely had a pre-season.

“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 will travel, he will be in the matchday picture, and he has a manager who pushed hard to bring him in. The only thing left to discover under the lights at Portman Road is whether Liverpool choose to unleash their new Champions League winner from the first whistle or keep that particular card up their sleeve.