Liverpool Nears Deal for Bradley Barcola as Gakpo's Future Uncertain

Liverpool are closing in on a blockbuster deal for Bradley Barcola – and Cody Gakpo’s future suddenly looks far less secure.

Barcola ‘here we go’ as Liverpool land top target

After weeks of negotiations, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have finally struck an agreement for Barcola, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting on Thursday morning that a fee is in place and the move is into its final stages.

Fabrizio Romano has now delivered his trademark confirmation. On his latest YouTube video, the Italian transfer specialist announced his “here we go” for the France international, outlining the framework of one of the biggest deals of the window.

“Bradley Barcola to Liverpool is ‘here we go’, deal agreed in principle between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain,” Romano said, explaining that the paperwork now needs to be prepared, exchanged and checked by the lawyers before the winger is cleared to travel for a medical and sign his contract at Anfield.

Liverpool have pursued Barcola for a long time and made him their priority option for the left wing, even as noise from France and England suggested PSG would refuse to sell or demand a prohibitive fee. Reports of a €170m price tag swirled; Liverpool never walked away.

Romano stressed that Liverpool originally targeted Barcola for summer 2025 but accelerated their plans and have now got their man. The Premier League side will pay a guaranteed £100m to PSG, with further add-ons included in the agreement. Sources at PSG, Romano said, expect the total package to reach around €140m once those bonuses are triggered.

Liverpool get what they see as one of the best wingers in the world. PSG secure a huge profit and a fee they are satisfied with. Barcola, for his part, gets the move he wanted – to Liverpool. As Romano put it, all parties are “happy” and the story, on that front at least, is “over”.

Spotlight swings to Gakpo amid Tottenham and Man City interest

The Barcola deal immediately raises the question: what now for Cody Gakpo?

The Dutchman has been the subject of persistent speculation this summer, with Tottenham and Manchester City both circling. Liverpool, aware of that possibility, have already tested the market for another wide player, seeing bids rejected for Yankuba Minteh and making enquiries for Ismaila Sarr.

Romano made it clear that Liverpool’s next move out wide hinges almost entirely on Gakpo.

“What happens now with Liverpool’s second winger after the bids for Minteh, Ismaila Sarr and all the rest? It really depends on what happens with Cody Gakpo,” he said.

Tottenham are in “constant contact” to understand the conditions of a deal, and, according to Romano, Gakpo already has an agreement in place with Spurs. At the same time, his agents are also speaking to Manchester City, who are monitoring the situation closely.

If Gakpo leaves for either Tottenham or City, Liverpool are ready to go back into the market and bring in an additional winger on top of Barcola. If he stays, the club are prepared to go with their current attacking options.

Liverpool have their new star wide man. The next move belongs to Gakpo – and to the clubs trying to prise him away.