Bradley Barcola: Liverpool's New Champions League Winner

Bradley Barcola has barely unpacked his bags, but Liverpool are already weighing up how quickly to unleash their new Champions League winner.

The French forward, who lifted Europe’s biggest prize twice with Paris Saint-Germain, completed his move on Monday and has gone straight to work at his new club. After several sessions with his teammates, he is in line to be involved when the Reds open their Premier League campaign at Portman Road on Friday night.

Iraola’s Priority Signing

For head coach Iraola, this was the deal. The one he wanted, the one Liverpool pushed to get over the line.

“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 no attempt to play down the significance of the transfer.

What impressed him most was not just the medals or the highlight reels. It was Barcola’s intent.

“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,” Iraola explained. A player with recent Champions League titles on his CV, yet eager to throw himself into a new project, has clearly struck the right chord.

“He has come also with the willingness to help us. I'm very happy with him,” the coach added.

Ready for Portman Road?

Barcola has trained well, by all accounts. No easing in, no gentle introductions.

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

Availability, though, is one thing. Starting is another.

Asked if the new signing is ready to go straight into the XI, Iraola allowed himself a smile: “It's a good question, it's a good question.”

The dilemma is obvious. Barcola has taken part in three training sessions with Liverpool but did not play any minutes in pre-season friendlies, even though he has been working normally with the group.

“I see him in a good place,” Iraola said. “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 decorated newcomer, a coach who made him his priority, and a season opening under the lights at Portman Road. Whether Barcola starts or comes from the bench, his first steps in a Liverpool shirt now feel a matter of hours, not weeks, away.