Iraola Hints at Possible Gakpo Departure as Liverpool Near Deal for Barcola

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s manager, has made it clear he cannot promise that Cody Gakpo will stay at Anfield past the summer transfer window. The Dutch forward, who joined Liverpool in January 2023 and has netted 51 goals in 181 appearances, is reportedly attracting strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City as the deadline looms.

Gakpo's Uncertain Path

Since arriving, Gakpo has been a key player, performing well especially after the World Cup. Tottenham have pursued him persistently during the summer, with Manchester City also keeping tabs. Meanwhile, Liverpool are pushing hard to secure Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, a move that could signal Gakpo’s exit.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, Iraola said, "When the market is open, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone. We don't know who will arrive. Cody is playing very well for us. He’s been very good since he came from the World Cup. I’d like to know how the market finishes, but at the moment I don’t know what’s going to happen. I can smell who we’re going to sign and what positions but experience shows you that if there’s an opportunity on the last day, you think: If it’s going to improve us, then let’s take it."

Liverpool Close to Signing Barcola

The Reds seem to have found their next attacking boost with an agreement in principle reached with PSG for Barcola. Talks progressed significantly on Wednesday evening, with an initial fee just over £100 million on the table. Including performance bonuses, the total sum might reach around £120 million.

Iraola was cautious about confirming the signing, stating, "You know that we are trying to sign in this position and you know we cannot talk about players who right now are not ours. We are trying to fill that position as right now we don’t have the numbers. I hope to have good news soon but we are still not there."

Potential Midfield Additions Still Open

After drawing 2-2 with Newcastle United, questions arose about the squad depth, especially following a quiet transfer window so far. Newcomers include Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, Victor Munoz from Osasuna, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien. Curtis Jones left for Inter Milan. Iraola noted the focus remains on wide attacking positions but did not rule out other additions.

He commented, "Ideally is the magic word. There are certain things you can do and certain things you don’t know if you can do. It’s true that the priority has been to strengthen the wide areas. I’m sure if we can improve other areas then we will. But I don’t know how the market is going to finish. I have to be patient, the same as you. It’s uncomfortable for me because we’re dealing with uncertainties. In four or five days then we can make proper plans. On September 1, we will know the options that we have."

Squad Rotation and Player Situations

With the transfer deadline approaching, the futures of Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott remain unclear. Both were absent from the Newcastle squad. Chiesa is recovering from a minor muscle injury, while Elliott faces stiff competition for playing time.

Iraola explained, "Different circumstances. Fede is not available, he felt something against Como. With Harvey, I can only choose 20. It’s about finding the right balance on the bench. In Harvey’s case, he’s trying and improving every week but still I prefer other options. I decided to put James McConnell in the squad. This is a new week with new chances for everyone and they have to keep that mentality."