Liverpool’s New £123m Problem: Barcola Arrives as Gakpo Makes His Case Impossible to Ignore

Bradley Barcola has barely had time to settle into life at Liverpool, yet the £123 million signing has already been handed a major warning about the battle waiting for him at Anfield.

The French forward made his Liverpool debut from the bench during Friday’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, but while Barcola was getting his first taste of Premier League football, Cody Gakpo was producing exactly the sort of performance that could make the new arrival’s path into the starting XI considerably harder.

Gakpo created both of Alexander Isak’s goals inside the opening nine minutes at Portman Road, turning a fast Liverpool start into a comfortable early advantage. His contribution also came at a particularly significant moment, with his future having been the subject of late transfer interest before the window closed.

And that is where the Barcola situation becomes interesting.

Gakpo Has Given Iraola a Selection Headache

Liverpool did not spend up to £123 million on Barcola to leave him permanently on the bench.

The former Paris Saint-Germain winger arrived as one of the headline additions of Liverpool's summer rebuild, with his pace, dribbling and ability to operate from the left expected to add another dimension to Andoni Iraola's attack.

Yet Gakpo's latest display has immediately complicated the picture.

The Dutchman was outstanding in the opening stages against Ipswich, repeatedly finding space and delivering the quality required to unlock the newly promoted side. Both of Isak's goals came from Gakpo assists, with the second arriving just three minutes after the first.

It was precisely the type of performance that makes a manager reluctant to change a winning formula.

Liverpool now have genuine competition for attacking positions rather than simply having expensive alternatives waiting for opportunities.

That is good news for Iraola.

For Barcola, however, it could mean patience will be required.

The £123m Signing Has Already Seen the Reality

Barcola's debut was always likely to attract attention because of the size of his transfer.

Liverpool agreed a deal worth up to £123 million for the 23-year-old, with an initial fee reported at around £106 million and further payments potentially taking the package higher. He arrived after winning major honours with PSG and became one of the most expensive additions of Liverpool's summer window.

But his first competitive appearance offered an early reminder that transfer fees do not guarantee starting places.

Barcola began on the bench before being introduced during the second half, with Liverpool already in control after Isak's early double.

That was not necessarily a negative statement about the new signing. Instead, it reflected the strength of the squad Iraola is beginning to build.

Liverpool now have several players capable of occupying attacking roles, including Gakpo, Barcola, Isak, Florian Wirtz, Victor Muñoz and Rio Ngumoha.

Competition for places is becoming one of the defining features of the new-look squad.

And that is exactly what makes the warning aimed at Barcola so relevant.

The Message Is About Form, Not the Price Tag

The blunt assessment from a former Liverpool great was that Barcola could struggle to get regular football if Gakpo continues performing at this level.

It was delivered with a clear element of humour, but the footballing point is difficult to dismiss.

A manager does not select players according to their transfer fee. He selects the players who give his team the best chance of winning.

If Gakpo continues producing goals, assists and intelligent movement, Barcola will have to do more than simply demonstrate why Liverpool spent heavily to sign him.

He will have to force his way into the team.

That could ultimately benefit both players.

Gakpo now knows that Barcola is waiting behind him, while Barcola knows exactly what standard he must reach to displace an established Liverpool attacker.

Barcola’s Opportunity May Come Sooner Than Expected

There is another side to the story.

Liverpool's season is only beginning, and with Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup football ahead, opportunities will inevitably arrive.

Barcola also offers qualities that can change matches.

His acceleration can stretch defensive lines, while his ability to carry the ball allows Liverpool to attack space in a different way. Those characteristics could become particularly valuable when opponents sit deep or when Liverpool need fresh attacking energy late in matches.

His debut against Ipswich was therefore only the opening chapter.

The important question is not whether Barcola will play.

It is whether he can turn those opportunities into a sustained run in the starting XI.

Liverpool May Have Created Exactly the Competition They Wanted

For years, squad depth has been one of the biggest requirements for clubs competing across multiple competitions.

Liverpool now appear to have it in attack.

Gakpo's performance at Portman Road was a perfect example. He did not score, but his influence was decisive, supplying the final pass for both of Isak's goals as Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory of the campaign.

Barcola, meanwhile, got his first minutes in a Liverpool shirt.

The £123 million man therefore leaves his debut with something to prove — but not necessarily because he played badly.

He simply joined a team where another attacker has started the season in outstanding form.

That changes everything.

Liverpool have not spent £123 million to create a guaranteed starter. They have spent it to raise the level of their attack.

If Gakpo keeps playing like this, Barcola will have to raise his level even further.

And for Iraola, that is arguably the best problem Liverpool could have.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Barcola will eventually become one of Liverpool's most important attackers.

🔥 Fire: Gakpo's current form means Barcola should have to earn his place rather than walk straight into the starting XI.

😲 Shock: Liverpool's £123m signing could struggle for regular starts despite arriving as one of the club's biggest summer statements.

👍 Like: Having Gakpo and Barcola competing for the same position gives Liverpool exactly the squad depth they need.

💬 Comment: Who should start on the left for Liverpool — Cody Gakpo or Bradley Barcola?