Liverpool's prospective signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain could spell the end of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo's time on Merseyside
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool reacts during the pre-season friendly match against Monaco
Cody Gakpo could leave Liverpool this summer if the Reds tie up the signing of Bradley Barcola(Image: Photo by Lewis Storey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Liverpool's prospective signing of Bradley Barcola could lead to Cody Gakpo leaving Anfield this summer.
On Thursday, it was reported that the Reds had finally reached an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for Barcola following lengthy negotiations. The French forward has been Liverpool's top target this summer, with the Reds having agreed a $163 million (£116M/€135M) deal for Barcola, of which $136 million is guaranteed.
However, the knock-on effect of Barcola signing for Liverpool could see Gakpo, who scored in the Reds' Premier League opener against Newcastle United, a 2-2 draw at St. James' Park, depart Anfield. The 27-year-old joined Liverpool back in 2023 from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, with Gakpo having made 181 appearances for the Reds in that time.
The Athletic report Gakpo could move on should Barcola join the Reds, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City having registered their interest in the Dutch forward.
Speaking during his press conference on Thursday ahead of Liverpool's weekend clash with Nottingham Forest, Reds boss Andoni Iraola said when asked about the ongoing talks over a move for Barcola, "We are trying to sign in that position. We cannot talk about players who are not ours.
"It is no secret that we are trying to improve to fill those positions because we don't have the numbers. I hope we can have good news but we are not there yet."
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC
Gakpo continues to be linked with an exit from Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))
The Spaniard also praised Gakpo, telling reporters that while the Dutchman had been playing well for Liverpool since his return from his post-World Cup break with the Netherlands, he could not guarantee he would still be at Anfield when the transfer window shuts.
"He's playing very well for us; he's been very good since he came back from the World Cup. Very good attitude. I hope we can keep him at that level," Iraola said of Gakpo.
He added, "When the market is open, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone. But I don't know what's going to happen with any of our players. I cannot guarantee anything."
While Barcola can play off the right, a position Liverpool drastically needs to add firepower in following the departure of Mohamed Salah this summer, he favors playing off the left, the same position Gakpo prefers.
But with Liverpool set to spend such a huge outlay on Barcola, Gakpo looks to be surplus to requirements.
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio
Gakpo has been linked with an exit from Liverpool due to interest from Tottenham(Image: (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images))
One individual, however, who is confused by Liverpool's potential signing of Barcola is former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, who has openly questioned the club for signing a left-sided attacker over a right-sided one.
"For me, the big thing that stands out like a sore thumb right now is that we need to replace Mo Salah, a right-winger," Carragher said on Sky Sports.
"I don't think Liverpool have got anybody in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right-wing. Whereas right now, I think they probably have at least four players in the squad before Barcola joins, if he joins, who can play on the left-hand side comfortably.
"Now, I'm not saying any of those players are better than Barcola, but in terms of balance of the squad, it's not the position Liverpool need right now. They need a right-winger."