Gakpo's Liverpool Future Hangs in the Balance as Barcola Deal Reportedly Sealed

Liverpool have reportedly agreed on the payment terms for their transfer of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, a deal that could open the door for Cody Gakpo's departure from Anfield as English clubs circle the Dutch forward.

On Thursday, reports confirmed a long-awaited breakthrough in negotiations between the Reds and PSG over Barcola's signing, with less than a week remaining in the summer transfer window.

The Athletic have now disclosed the precise financial details of the deal, with Liverpool paying the European champions $143.5 million (£106 million) upfront and a further potential $23 million (£17 million) in performance-based add-ons.

The 24-year-old is set to complete a medical over the weekend before officially signing a five-year deal.

Liverpool have been left thin on quality in the wide forward positions following Mohamed Salah's exit, and Barcola goes some way toward addressing those concerns—even if a natural right winger remains absent from their ranks.

Liverpool Set Gakpo Asking Price

Barcola's imminent arrival could significantly affect Gakpo's future at the club, with the winger having been consistently linked with a Merseyside exit throughout the summer. Transfer speculation has ramped up in recent weeks amid growing interest from two Premier League sides.

Tottenham Hotspur were the first club to show serious interest as they sought to strengthen their attack, and they remain keen on the 27-year-old despite recently completing signings of both Sávio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.

Having lost two of their attacking players, the Cityzens are also eyeing Gakpo, who could offer wide coverage and potentially serve as a backup to Erling Haaland.

The Times have confirmed that both clubs "continue to track" Gakpo ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, with Liverpool reportedly demanding up to $115.1 million (£85 million) to sanction the Dutchman's exit.

It has been made clear on multiple occasions that Liverpool have no intention of actively selling Gakpo, though a substantial offer could test their stance. Already well-covered on the left flank, a sale would allow them to recoup a significant portion of the Barcola outlay.

Should Liverpool Entertain Gakpo Sale?

Under the right conditions, it may well be sensible for Liverpool to weigh up bids for Gakpo. While he has contributed a goal and an assist in the first two games of Andoni Iraola's tenure, the forward's dip in form during 2025–26 raised concerns, as he managed only nine goals across all competitions.

However, with only a handful of days left in the transfer window, the Reds would likely come to regret offloading one of their few seasoned attacking options—particularly to a domestic competitor.

Once Barcola is officially signed, Liverpool will boast five wingers in total. Among them is Federico Chiesa, who has struggled with injuries and failed to make an impact since arriving two summers ago, while expectations should be kept in check for 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha.

Both Barcola and Victor Muñoz will also need time to settle into a new league in their debut campaigns, meaning Liverpool cannot afford to let Gakpo leave without securing a proper replacement—ideally one who operates on the right wing.

With time running short, it remains unclear whether the club can bring in another wide forward, having already had bids rejected for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaïla Sarr. Another target, Ibrahim Mbaye, appears close to completing a move to Aston Villa.

Beyond those options, viable replacements for Gakpo are scarce. Selling him at this stage is simply too great a gamble.