Bradley Barcola is set to sign a five-year deal with Liverpool with questions arising on Cody Gakpo's future, with the club having too many players at the same position
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool looks on
Cody Gakpo could be on his way out after Liverpool agreed to sign Bradley Barcola(Image: Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Liverpool is reportedly unlikely to sell Cody Gakpo despite finalizing the signing of Bradley Barcola, with a positional change potentially coming for the Dutchman.
Gakpo has been linked with a move away from the club with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City said to be interested. He was Liverpool's starting left-winger last season but the club could now have three players at the position competing with him, in Barcola, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz.
And while Liverpool has not closed the door on selling Gakpo, they may look to keep him while giving him a position change for the season ahead.
With Hugo Ekitike likely to be sidelined until the new year, Alexander Isak is the only current forward option for the team.
Isak has struggled with injuries since joining the club, as Liverpool will need another body to compete with him - now said to be looking to Gakpo.
TalkSPORT's Alex Crook has suggested that a sale for Gakpo is unlikely, unless the Reds sign another forward to compete with Isak.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Alexander Isak of Liverpool reacts 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, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Gakpo could be the back-up forward behind Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
Gakpo has played as the lone striker for the Reds in years previous, with the club initially signing him as someone who is capable of playing off the left and as a center forward.
Liverpool has not been linked with another striker this summer with a replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank the next priority.
This would likely see Gakpo remain at the club, unless Liverpool receives a substantial offer for their number 18.
Bradley Barcola of France celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Medal Match match between France and England
Bradley Barcola is closing in on a transfer to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Europa Press Sports/Europa Press via Getty Images))
Liverpool is said to be looking for offers in advance of $108 million (£80m) for Gakpo, with Tottenham potentially considering meeting their demands in the coming days.
Should Liverpool sell him, they would have to move quickly to bring in another forward.
The club appears to be targeting Yankuba Minteh from Brighton, as well as Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace - currently deciding which one to get back in for after having offers rejected from both teams.
Liverpool.com says: "Cody Gakpo's days at Liverpool appear numbered, despite even if he is to stay this window.
"Once Huge Ekitike returns, he would be the third choice forward as well as potentially being the fourth choice left-winger behind Bradley Barcola, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz."