Liverpool to make late decision on Bradley Barcola debut after £123m transfer | OneFootball

Frenchman has not played since July 18

Bradley Barcola is in contention to make his Liverpool debut against Ipswich, Andoni Iraola has confirmed.

The Frenchman, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Wednesday, completed a deal that could be worth £123million from Paris Saint-Germain on at the start of the week, signing a long-term contract at Anfield.

Due to the first international break of the season being moved, Barcola does not have to wait at least a fortnight to make his Liverpool debut.

Instead, the Reds are in action away at Ipswich on Friday night and the expectation is that Barcola will be available for selection having trained with his new team-mates.

Speaking in the press conference on Thursday morning, Iraola said: “We are very happy with Bradley, it was our priority to sign a very very good player in those positions.

“He has come also with the right mentality. I like that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He wanted to come here. It's a good first sign and being the player he is he has come with the willingness to help us.

“He is playing well for us and if everything goes well in training today he will definitely be available for us tomorrow.”

Debut pending: Bradley Barcola

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Barcola has not played since featuring for France against England in the bronze final match at this summer’s World Cup on July 18.

As such, a lack of match sharpness could mean the winger is named on the substitutes bench at Portman Road, though Iraola says a late decision will be made.

“I see him in a good place. He has trained for us, it's true he hasn't had minutes in pre-season,” Iraola added. “He has been training and it's a decision we have to make.

“But we have to consider he hasn't had minutes in pre-season games.”