Barcola set for Liverpool debut vs Ipswich as Iraola backs marquee signing
Synopsis
Liverpool's record-fee arrival Bradley Barcola could make his Premier League bow against Ipswich Town on Friday, with manager Andoni Iraola publicly backing the $166m PSG recruit. After two successive draws to open the season, the Frenchman's debut could be the attacking spark Liverpool desperately need.
Key Takeaways
Bradley Barcola is in line to debut for Liverpool in the Premier League against Ipswich Town on Friday .
Barcola joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a reported $166 million deal, signing a five-year contract and wearing the No.
Manager Andoni Iraola praised Barcola's mentality, saying 'he wanted Liverpool a lot.' The 23-year-old is a two-time Champions League winner with PSG but featured off the bench in both finals.
Liverpool have drawn their opening two league matches 2-2 against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest and are yet to win this season.
Bradley Barcola is reportedly in line to make his Premier League debut for Liverpool against Ipswich Town on Friday, with manager Andoni Iraola signalling that the France international is ready to feature — subject to completing Thursday's training session without incident. The 23-year-old forward arrived at Anfield in a blockbuster deal worth a reported $166 million from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a five-year contract and inheriting the No. 29 shirt.
Iraola's Verdict on Barcola
'We are very happy with Bradley; it was our priority to sign a very, very good player in those positions. He has also come with the right mentality. I like that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He wanted to come here,' Iraola said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday. The Basque coach added that he is satisfied with all of Liverpool's summer business and views squad development as his core responsibility heading into the campaign.
Who Is Bradley Barcola
Barcola is a two-time Champions League winner with PSG, though his appearances in both finals came off the bench. At Parc des Princes, his minutes were constrained by the presence of Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order. The move to Liverpool represents a chance for the winger to establish himself as a first-choice starter in one of Europe's most demanding environments. Notably, the $166 million outlay makes him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history.
Liverpool's Slow Start and What Barcola Offers
Liverpool have drawn their opening two Premier League fixtures — 2-2 against Newcastle United and 2-2 against Nottingham Forest — and are yet to register a league win under Iraola this season. The Reds face a newly promoted Ipswich Town side on Friday, a fixture that offers a timely opportunity to open their account. Barcola's anticipated attributes — pace, creativity, and directness in wide areas — could provide exactly the attacking variation Iraola's side has lacked in the opening weeks.
What Happens Next
Iraola confirmed that Barcola's involvement is conditional on a clean training session on Thursday. Should he feature, it will mark the first competitive outing for one of the summer's most high-profile transfers in European football. Liverpool supporters and the wider Premier League will be watching closely to see whether the Frenchman can justify the enormous investment from his first appearance at Anfield.
Point of View
On paper a winnable game, is precisely the kind of match where a marquee signing is expected to deliver — and where failure to do so would amplify early-season anxiety at Anfield.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When could Bradley Barcola make his Liverpool debut?
Barcola could make his Premier League debut for Liverpool against Ipswich Town on Friday, 3 September, subject to completing Thursday's training session without any issues, according to manager Andoni Iraola.
How much did Liverpool pay for Bradley Barcola?
Liverpool reportedly signed Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth $166 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history. He has signed a five-year contract and wears the No. 29 shirt.
Why did Barcola have limited playing time at PSG?
At Paris Saint-Germain, Barcola's minutes were restricted due to competition from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who were preferred in wide attacking roles. Despite this, he won the Champions League twice with the club, featuring off the bench in both finals.
How has Liverpool started the Premier League season?
Liverpool have drawn their opening two Premier League matches 2-2 against Newcastle United and 2-2 against Nottingham Forest. They are yet to record a league win under manager Andoni Iraola this season.
What has Iraola said about Liverpool's summer signings?
Iraola said he is very happy with all of Liverpool's summer signings and views developing the squad as his responsibility as the club targets a successful Premier League campaign. He specifically praised Barcola's mentality and desire to join the club.
