Liverpool Coach Content with Squad, Praises Barcola's Arrival

Barcola has become the second most expensive signing in "The Reds'" history, joining the club on Monday for approximately £124 million, which translates to roughly €144 million. Last year, Liverpool paid Newcastle United £125 million for Swedish attacking star Alexander Isak.

Iraola, who began his Anfield tenure with two Premier League draws, welcomed the signing of the PSG player, stating that Barcola would be available for Friday's match against Ipswich. "Our priority was to sign a very, very good player for this position," the Spanish coach told reporters.

"I believe he arrived with the right mentality. I learned from him that he really wanted to come to Liverpool. That's a very good sign. And given the player he is and the success he's recently achieved, I think he's come with a willingness to help us. I'm very pleased with him, and he's trained well. If everything goes smoothly in today's training, he will definitely be available for tomorrow's game," Iraola added.

Barcola, who primarily plays on the left wing, will be part of Liverpool's expensively assembled attack, which also includes Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and playmaker Florian Wirtz. The Frenchman's arrival has raised questions about the future of left-winger Gakpo, who was linked with a move away from Anfield during the summer transfer window. However, Iraola expressed satisfaction with retaining Gakpo, whom he described as a "very valuable player."

The former Bournemouth manager, who replaced the dismissed Arne Slot, expressed satisfaction with the summer arrivals, including Barcola, Jérémy Jacquet, and Victor Muñoz.

"The club decided that these transfers improved our squad and our position. There were other options that we rejected for various reasons. Sometimes for sporting reasons, because they wouldn't improve what we already have, other times for economic reasons – it didn't make sense given the market," he said.

"However, I'm glad to know what we have now. I have a lot of quality in the squad. Now is the moment for us, for the players and for me, to develop what we have," Iraola concluded.