Andoni Iraola Delighted with New Liverpool Signings as Bradley Barcola Is All Set for Debut

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola says he is very happy with all of the club’s new signings this season since his arrival and that now it is down to him to develop a world-class squad.

This season, Liverpool has had four major new signings, including the £123m purchase of Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain (PSG). The Frenchman, Barcola, will be available for selection for Liverpool’s Premier League game against Ipswich Town on Friday.

The Reds have opened against strengthening their side at the right-back and in the central midfield and Iraola has defended that decision. He said, “Do I want more signings? In the end, the club has decided those signings we have done are the ones that will improve our team, improve the positions.”

He further added, “There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes porting or economical. It didn't make sense in the market for those moves. But I am happy now. I have a lot of quality in the team. Now it is the moment for me and the players to develop what we have.”

A £60m deal for centre-back Jeremy Jacquet was made in January, and he arrived at the club this summer. Under Iraola Liverpool have also signed winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m and defender Ronal Araujo on loan from the Spanish club, Barcelona.

Liverpool has elected not to replace Curtis Jones, who left the club to join Inter Milan in a £30m deal. Jones had made 49 appearances for Liverpool in the previous season, and now Iraola has four senior central midfielders to pick from, including Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. They also have the younger, Trey Nyoni.

Iraola said, “We have good numbers in the midfield. Now it is a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I am now finding the best combination and we are going through a period now where we will play a lot of games and we will have a chance to see the options and the combinations we have. It's a matter of coaching.” He also said, he was glad to keep Cody Gakpo because he is a valuable player after Manchester city had bid for £80m for the Dutchman. Gakpo has provided one goal assist in Liverpool’s first two games of the season, both of which ended in a draw.