Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo after the Reds agreed a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, according to David Ornstein.
Despite enduring a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, scoring just seven league goals across 35 appearances, Gakpo has attracted interest from Spurs and Manchester City this summer. The former have been heavily linked with a move for the Dutchman throughout the window, but haven't been able to reach an agreement with Liverpool over a deal.
The Merseysiders have now sourced a potential replacement in Barcola, agreeing a deal that could rise to £120 million with PSG for the Frenchman.
This move could free Gakpo up for a departure, with Spurs and City expected to accelerate their interest in the final days of the window.
Tottenham Given Renewed Hope in Cody Gakpo Pursuit
cody gakpo
Spurs signed Savinho from City earlier this week and are expected to complete the acquisition of Omar Marmoush shortly. Many believed these two additions would signal the end of the North London club's frivolous spending for this summer, but there may still be room for one more.
With Savinho likely to be deployed off the right and Marmoush likely to be predominantly used centrally, there is still a void on the left-hand side of Spurs' attack. Gakpo has long been mooted as their primary target for this position, and the deal could certainly still materialise.
According to Ornstein (via the Athletic), the potential arrival of Barcola in the north-west could have 'knock-on effects' for Gakpo, who is still the subject of interest from Tottenham.
That said, City are also understood to be courting the 27-year-old and are likely to rival the Lilywhites for his signature.
There is still said to be significant work to be done on the Barcola deal, meaning the Gakpo saga may ultimately stretch to as late as deadline day. However, a breakthrough in negotiations for the PSG star certainly provides Spurs with reasons for optimism.
Tottenham Should Be Afraid of Man City Interest in Gakpo
Reuters
While this can be viewed as a boost for Spurs in their pursuit of Gakpo, they should be incredibly wary of City's interest.
The Citizens have decimated their forward options this summer, with Savinho and Marmoush leaving, while Jack Grealish is still expected to follow the aforementioned duo out the door.
If Marmoush and Grealish do indeed leave the Etihad, Enzo Maresca will be left with the following forward options:
Erling Haaland
Antoine Semenyo
Jeremy Doku
Phil Foden
Claudio Echeverri
Jeremy Monga
A deal for Palmeiras winger Allan is said to be advancing, but even with the Brazilian, this isn't adequate depth for a team with title aspirations.
Thus, if City push for Gakpo, they're more than likely to be capable of gazumping Spurs to his signature.