Liverpool Signs Bradley Barcola: A Promising Start

Bradley Barcola has barely had time to catch his breath, but Liverpool already want him in the thick of it.

The French winger, a two-time Champions League winner, wrapped up his move from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday and was on the training pitch with his new teammates almost immediately. Now, just a few days later, he is on course to be involved when the Reds open their Premier League campaign at Portman Road on Friday night.

Iraola’s delight is obvious. The Liverpool head coach has been pushing for this deal and made no attempt to hide how central Barcola was to the club’s 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 told reporters on Thursday morning, underlining how long Liverpool had been working to land him.

This is not a marquee signing drifting in for one last contract. Iraola likes the hunger he has seen already.

“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,” he said. A player with recent Champions League medals choosing this project, this dressing room, carries its own message.

“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 trained three times with the squad and, crucially, trained well. That has been enough for Iraola to clear the first hurdle.

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

Available is one thing. Starting is another. Asked whether Barcola is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola paused on the dilemma facing every manager with a big new signing and a fanbase eager for a glimpse.

“It's a good question, it's a good question,” he admitted, before weighing up the reality of Barcola’s fitness.

“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.”

That is the balance now. The temptation to unleash a proven Champions League performer on the Premier League’s opening weekend, against the need to respect rhythm, conditioning and a squad that has worked through the summer.

Barcola will travel. He will be in the matchday conversation. Whether he walks out at Portman Road from the first whistle or comes on with the game in motion, Liverpool’s latest arrival is already close to the spotlight.