Bradley Barcola: Liverpool's New Signing Ready for Premier League
Bradley Barcola has barely unpacked his bags, but Liverpool are already weighing up throwing him straight into the Premier League fire.
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 in line to be involved when the Reds travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Friday night.
Iraola’s priority signing
At Melwood on Thursday morning, head coach Andoni Iraola made it clear just 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,” Iraola said, underlining the club’s determination to land the 21-year-old.
What has impressed him most is not just the medal collection, but the mindset.
“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. “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 work on the grass has backed that up. Barcola has already joined full sessions and slotted into the group quickly.
“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 impact from the bench?
Availability is one thing. Starting a Premier League opener after a disrupted summer is another.
Asked if Barcola is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola paused on the dilemma facing his staff.
“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 choice is clear. Throw a Champions League winner straight into the starting line-up at Portman Road, or unleash him later as a high-impact option. Either way, Liverpool’s new signing will not have to wait long to feel the pace of English football.
