Andoni Iraola confirms Bradley Barcola fitness ahead of potential Liverpool debut

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has provided a positive fitness update on the club's record-breaking summer signing, Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old winger, who arrived from PSG in a deal worth £123 million just before the deadline, is in contention to feature in Friday's trip to Portman Road.

Iraola, still searching for his first competitive win after consecutive draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, was effusive in his praise for the Frenchman.

We are very happy with Bradley. He was our priority. 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. Andoni Iraola

While Barcola lacked match minutes during his final weeks at PSG, Iraola confirmed that the player has been training well with the group. The manager noted that a final decision on whether the winger starts or comes off the bench will be made following the latest training session, but confirmed he is certainly available for selection.

The arrival of the winger marks the end of a busy window for the Merseyside club, which also saw the signings of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, along with the loan arrival of Ronald Araujo. Iraola also expressed his relief at retaining Cody Gakpo amid late interest from Manchester City and Tottenham.

Securing three points against Ipswich has become paramount for Iraola as he looks to kickstart his tenure. Whether Barcola is unleashed from the start or late on, his introduction is expected to provide the attacking pace and directness the team has lacked in its opening two fixtures.