“Explosive”: Liverpool Fans Give Bradley Barcola Verdict After 2-0 Win vs Ipswich

Liverpool's new £123 million man Bradley Barcola got his first minutes in red in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town 2-0.

The France international played his first minutes since the FIFA World Cup after a protracted saga that saw him only join Andoni Iraola's side in the final week of the transfer window. Prior to his move, he had been sidelined at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after he made his intention to move to Anfield clear.

Liverpool fans wanted a high-profile name to replace erstwhile club talisman Mohamed Salah, and they were given the first glimpse of their new star forward at Portman Road. Iraola oversaw a win for the first time as Reds boss, following back-to-back draws to begin the 2026-27 season.

Bradley Barcola Handed Liverpool Debut at Portman Road

Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola was asked about his new big-money attacker in his pre-match press conference, and he told reporters that the 24-year-old was fit enough to feature in the game and would play.

It was no surprise to see him named among the substitutes, with Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz handed starting berths on either flank in the XI.

With the Reds leading comfortably thanks to an Alexander Isak brace, assistant coach Tommy Elphick gave the Frenchman his instructions as he prepared to be introduced into the game.

He entered into the fray in the 64th minute as Iraola reshuffled his frontline, sending Barcola on for Munoz and Ryan Gravenberch on for Isak.

He was brought on to play on the left flank, with Gakpo moving up top to replace Isak as the focal point.

The Reds were a bit more conservative in the closing minutes of the encounter, but Barcola still had some touches to show his sharpness. His first touch of the ball saw him weave his way past two challenges before releasing the ball to a teammate.

The former PSG man nearly registered an assist, as he played a low ball across the box to Gakpo, whose shot was blocked and went behind for a corner-kick.

Bradley Barcola did not look as rusty as you would expect a player with zero competitive minutes in nearly seven weeks to. He will look to continue to build up his fitness when he makes his home debut for the Reds against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, September 9.

Liverpool Fans Excited By "Explosive" Barcola

Bradley Barcola did not need many touches to impress his new fans at Portman Road, earning praise for his immediate impact against Ipswich Town. The Liverpool fans took to social media to hail the France international after his debut.

One of the fans, presumably from PSG, urged Les Parisiens manager Luis Enrique to bring back the Frenchman: "Luis Enrique, you need to bring Barcola back in, what are you waiting for?"

Another fan expressed their gratitude to PSG for keeping the winger fit all summer: "Big ups to PSG for keeping Barcola fit and letting him train, he looks fit and sharp. Proper club"

One admitted that they were pleasantly surprised by his positioning: "Barcola is actually smarter in positioning than I thought he was"

Another was left in disbelief by his pace: "Bruh, barcola is rapid"

One fan attributed the victory to his luck: "Barcola might be Liverpool Goodluck charm, they are finally winning a football game"

Another excitedly asked for a right winger to complement the Frenchman: "Barcola you already know he's the one. Once we get a RW it's over"

One fan pointed out that he showed confidence to drive the ball forward: "He looked dangerous there! Barcola had the pace and confidence to drive forward"

Another was excited as they stated that they would enjoy having him in the team: "I love me an explosive rapid winger! Barcola i'm going to enjoy youuuu!!!!!"

Bradley Barcola put on a bit of a show for the Liverpool faithful, giving them a glimpse of what he will bring to their squad this season. He will hope to build on this display in subsequent games as the Reds look to go on a sustained run of form under Iraola.