LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher reckons Bradley Barcola is facing a huge battle to break into the starting line-up.
The Frenchman, 24, completed a £123million move from Paris Saint-Germain before the transfer window slammed shut.
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And Barcola came off the bench to make his debut as Liverpool notched a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town thanks to a brace from Alexander Isak.
But fellow winger Cody Gakpo caught the eye by claiming two assists in the victory at Portman Road.
The Dutchman’s stunning performance came a matter of days after Liverpool blocked a mega-money switch to Manchester City.
And Carragher reckons the Reds’ last-gasp decision to stave off bids could be bad news for their latest recruit.
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In a social media post shared on X, the former defender, 48, said: “Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo.”
Liverpool fans quickly backed Carragher’s claim after watching the former PSV Eindhoven cause chaos for Ipswich’s backline.
Gakpo looked like he was on his way through the Liverpool exit door before boss Andoni Iraola and Reds chiefs pulled the plug.
He wanted to head to Man City in a blockbuster deal after snubbing advances from Tottenham.
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But Liverpool chose to keep Gakpo, 27, after failing to find a replacement and he now appears to be forming an exciting partnership with Isak.
Having been the provider when the Swede netted against Nottingham Forest last weekend, he also found the striker with two inch-perfect passes at Ipswich.
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk stressed the importance of keeping Gakpo on Merseyside after beating the Tractor Boys.
The centre-back told Sky Sports: “Cody was outstanding. He’s important for us and he will be important this season as well.
“He showed it today, last week as well with the assist and over the last couple of years.”
Gakpo also hinted that he was not furious after being told he would stay at Anfield.
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He revealed: “Hopefully we will do many beautiful things together. I am happy.”
Liverpool’s win over Ipswich allowed them to move into the Premier League’s top five ahead of a weekend full of action.
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