Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the signing of Bradley Barcola from PSG, but the Reds are still in the market with Ismaila Sarr the latest target after bid for the Crystal Palace winger was rejected
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain looks on at the end of the UEFA Super Cup 2026 match
Bradley Barcola's move to Liverpool is inching closer(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola admits he "cannot guarantee anything" regarding Cody Gakpo's future as Liverpool edge closer to securing Bradley Barcola's signature, with their recruitment activity continuing at pace.
The Reds have pursued the Frenchman throughout the summer, though PSG's asking price has represented the primary obstacle. An agreement now appears to have been reached, with Barcola potentially arriving at Anfield in a transfer valued at £120 million ($162 million).
It marks another substantial investment in Liverpool's attacking options, 12 months on from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz's mega-money transfers.
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Liverpool dropped from champions to fifth last term, and their squad, despite the enormous expenditure, appears neither adequately equipped nor sufficiently balanced to launch a title challenge. Barcola's prospective arrival does constitute a significant acquisition, further enhancing their attacking prowess.
The transfer has not been completed, with final details still under discussion, but progress has been made in talks. Barcola himself is eager for a departure and it appears the consecutive Champions League victors have relaxed their position on his valuation.
Gakpo the loser in Barcola deal?
Gakpo, brought in during Jurgen Klopp's tenure, was among Liverpool's brightest performers in its Premier League curtain-raiser and found the net in their stalemate at Newcastle. Barcola's possible signing could threaten his place in the starting line-up, with clubs such as Tottenham and Manchester City circling.
Last campaign, the Netherlands international managed just nine goals, though this followed back-to-back seasons where he reached double figures. Nonetheless, with fresh targets being monitored, Iraola declined to guarantee the ex-PSV forward would remain at Anfield past this summer.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester City have made a transfer approach for Liverpool star Cody Gakpo(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
He said: "I can say what I said last week, and even after the performance he had in the first game. He is playing very well for us, he has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and after the holidays, a good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because he has been very influential.
"When the market is open you cannot guarantee anything with anyone. When I arrived I would like to know how the market finishes and then when you finish with this one and this one but I don't know what is going to happen with any of our players. I cannot guarantee anything. You think I can smell who we are going to sign or what position but experience shows you that, if there is an opportunity on the last day, let's take it."
Sarr next on Liverpool shortlist
Speaking of opportunities, Liverpool aren't merely considering a straightforward swap involving Barcola and Gakpo - they remain firmly in pursuit of Ismaïla Sarr, according to the Independent, following Crystal Palace's rejection of an initial £50M ($67.7M) bid.
Iraola's ambition to bolster his attacking options is evident, with the Reds having recently targeted Brighton's Yankuba Minteh before switching their attention to Sarr after the Seagulls turned down their approach. The Senegal international can operate on the right flank - a position Liverpool are keen to reinforce following Mohamed Salah's summer departure.
Ismaila Sarr
Ismaila Sarr is another target for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
The push to enhance quality in attacking areas could present the new Reds' manager with some significant selection headaches. Liverpool's substantial investments in Isak and Wirtz have somewhat boxed them in, with Iraola needing to devise strategies to maximise both players' potential.
Barcola could fall into a similar bracket should they indeed splash £120m on him, which would render him the club's second most costly acquisition in history.
Hugo Ekitiké, presently sidelined through injury, proved to be last summer's standout signing but finds himself competing for a place with Isak. Even should Gakpo depart, Liverpool would still possess Rio Ngumoha, regarded as the club's brightest young prospect, and Víctor Muñoz on their roster.
Sarr would represent another addition to the equation, potentially leaving Iraola with the Palace wide man, Isak, Wirtz, Barcola, Ekitiké, Ngumoha and Muñoz as players requiring game time and satisfaction.