Iraola: Barcola wanted Liverpool 'a lot' | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola has talked about some of his team's summer transfer business ahead of Friday evening's game against Ipswich Town.

Liverpool made two late signings in the transfer window with a big-money move for Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and the signing of promising goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, who has been loaned back out to Genk for the 2025/26 campaign.

"We are very happy with Bradley. He was our priority, let's say, to sign a very very good player in that position," the Spaniard said about Liverpool's marquee signing.

"He has come with the right mentality. I liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here and I think that is a good first sign and being the player that he is and the things that he has won.

"He has come with the willingness to help us. I am very happy with him and he trained well with us. If everything goes well in training today, he will definitely be available for tomorrow's game."

As well as signing Barcola, Liverpool also kept hold of Cody Gakpo who had been linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in recent weeks.

"Cody is a very smart player," Iraola said about the Netherlands international. 

"My relationship with him has been honest since the beginning. He has performed with us very well, in all the pre-season games, in all the games. He scored in the first game, assisted in the next one.

"He was well aware of the situation in the market – we were constantly talking with each other. He has trained very well and I hope we keep him at the same level. He is in a good place, physically, mentally.

"I am glad to keep Cody because he is a valuable player."

Iraola also stressed the trust he had in his current players: "I will put in the player that will help us win the game. I will not be looking at whether they were more money or less money. I don't really know what they earn, I don't ask the club.

"I have the players and I have to choose the best one each week. I need to win games."

Liverpool will be hoping Barcola can help improve their side's results with two 2-2 draws in their two opening games against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.