Bradley Barcola: Will Liverpool's New Signing Start?

Bradley Barcola has barely had time to unpack, but Liverpool are already weighing up whether to throw their new signing straight into the Premier League spotlight.

The French winger, a two-time Champions League winner, completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday and has gone straight into training with his new teammates. Now, as Liverpool prepare for Friday night’s trip to Portman Road, the question is simple: does he start?

Iraola’s priority signing

For head coach Andoni Iraola, there was never any doubt about how badly he wanted Barcola.

“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 on Thursday morning, making clear just how central the 21-year-old is to Liverpool’s plans.

What seems to have impressed Iraola most is not just the talent, 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.

“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 sessions with the squad and, fitness permitting, will be in the matchday group.

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

Ready to start – or eased in?

Availability is one thing. Starting away from home on a Premier League opening night is another.

Asked directly whether Barcola is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola didn’t hide from the dilemma.

“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. A marquee signing, a coach who pushed hard to get him, and a season opener under the lights. Whether Barcola starts or comes off the bench, his Liverpool story is about to begin.