Jamie Carragher sends Liverpool warning to Bradley Barcola following £123M move

Bradley Barcola made an encouraging Liverpool debut against Ipswich Town, but his route into the starting XI could be complicated by Cody Gakpo’s outstanding early-season form.

Bradley Barcola’s Liverpool career has begun with promise, but the France international has already been handed a major warning about the challenge awaiting him at Anfield.

The £123 million summer signing made his first appearance for the Reds during Friday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town, entering from the bench in the 64th minute as Alexander Isak’s early double secured Andoni Iraola’s first league win as Liverpool head coach.

Barcola immediately offered a glimpse of the qualities that persuaded Liverpool to invest heavily in him, using his pace and close control to threaten Ipswich after replacing Victor Munoz.

However, his path into Iraola’s preferred XI could prove difficult, largely because Cody Gakpo has started the campaign in outstanding form.

Gakpo supplied the assists for both of Isak’s goals at Portman Road, continuing a productive opening to the season and strengthening his claim for a regular attacking role.

Jamie Carragher subsequently warned that Barcola could struggle for starts while Gakpo maintains such a high level, highlighting the intense competition within Liverpool’s forward line.

Iraola himself acknowledged that competition, stressing that Barcola, Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Munoz will all have opportunities as the season progresses.

The Liverpool boss also urged patience with Barcola because the new signing had not played competitive football since the World Cup and had not featured during pre-season.

That cautious approach could give Barcola time to regain full sharpness before being trusted with a larger role.

For now, though, the French winger must make the most of every opportunity while Gakpo’s form continues to raise the standard for anyone hoping to displace him.