Bradley Barcola ready to light up Liverpool as Iraola backs £123m star

Andoni Iraola has declared himself ‘very happy’ with Liverpool’s summer transfer business as £123 million signing Bradley Barcola prepares to make his Premier League debut against Ipswich Town on Friday.

Bradley Addo Barcola was born to a French mother and Togolese father. His brother Malcolm is also a footballer, and plays for the Togo national team.

Liverpool have made four major additions during the summer window, with Barcola’s blockbuster move from Paris St-Germain the headline deal. The French winger is now available for selection as Iraola prepares to assess his revamped squad during a demanding period of the season.

Despite Liverpool opting against adding another right-back or a central midfielder, Iraola has defended the club’s decision and insisted his priority is now to maximise the quality already at his disposal.

“Do I want more signings? In the end, the club has decided those signings we have done are the ones that will improve our team, improve the positions,” Iraola said.

“There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes sporting or economical. It didn’t make sense in the market for those moves.

“But I’m happy now. I have a lot of quality in the team. Now it is the moment is for me and the players to develop what we have.”

Midfield depth puts pressure on Iraola

Liverpool’s summer recruitment began with the £60m arrival of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, a deal completed in January, before Iraola added winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m and secured Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.

The club, however, chose not to directly replace Curtis Jones following his £30m transfer to Inter Milan.

Jones made 49 appearances for Liverpool last season, but Iraola believes the Reds still possess enough options in midfield to cope with his departure.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo give Iraola four senior options in the position, while highly rated youngster Trey Nyoni provides further depth.

“In midfield we have good numbers,” said Iraola.

“Now it’s a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I’m finding now the best combinations and we are going through a period now where we will play a lot of games and we’ll have a chance to see the options we have and the combinations we have.

“It’s a matter of coaching.”

With Liverpool entering a congested run of fixtures, Iraola is expected to rotate his midfield options while searching for the combinations that can deliver greater consistency.

Gakpo staying is another boost

Iraola also expressed his satisfaction at retaining Cody Gakpo after Liverpool rejected an £80m offer from Manchester City for the Netherlands international.

The Liverpool boss described Gakpo as an important member of his squad and welcomed the decision to keep him at the club.

“I’m glad to keep Cody Gakpo because he is a valuable player,” Iraola said.

Gakpo has already underlined his importance at the start of the campaign, contributing one goal and one assist from Liverpool’s opening two Premier League matches.

Both games ended in draws, leaving Iraola searching for his first league victory of the season.

The arrival of Barcola could now provide another attacking dimension, with the £123m signing set to give Liverpool supporters their first glimpse of their marquee summer acquisition when Ipswich visit on Friday.