Liverpool Signs Bradley Barcola: Gakpo's Future Uncertain

Liverpool’s summer transfer plan snapped into sharp focus on Thursday as Fabrizio Romano confirmed a blockbuster deal for Bradley Barcola – and cast fresh doubt over Cody Gakpo’s future at Anfield.

Barcola ‘here we go’ as Liverpool land top wing target

After weeks of negotiations, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have reached an agreement in principle for Barcola, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing in the morning that the move had entered its final stages.

Romano then delivered his trademark seal of approval.

“Bradley Barcola to Liverpool is ‘here we go’,” he announced on his latest YouTube video, outlining how the clubs have struck a deal and are now working through the paperwork. The documents must be prepared, exchanged and checked by the lawyers before the France international receives authorisation to travel for medical tests and to sign his contract.

Liverpool have been tracking Barcola for a long time and made him their priority option for the left wing. At one stage, reports from England and France insisted PSG would not sell, with wild figures such as €170m mentioned around his valuation. Romano stressed he had consistently warned not to rule out Liverpool, and not to expect anything close to that fee.

The agreement will see Liverpool pay a guaranteed £100m, money locked in for PSG, with additional bonuses on top. Sources at the French club, Romano said, believe the total package will reach around €140m once those add-ons are triggered.

Liverpool get the winger they wanted. Barcola gets the move he wanted. PSG get a huge payday. As Romano put it, all parties are “happy” and the Barcola saga is effectively closed.

Spotlight swings to Gakpo

The Barcola deal immediately sharpens the focus on Gakpo’s situation.

The Dutchman has been the subject of persistent interest this summer, with Tottenham monitoring him and Manchester City now also in the frame. Liverpool, aware of the possibility of losing him, have already tested the market for a second winger. Bids for Yankuba Minteh have been turned down, and the club have made enquiries over 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 explained.

Tottenham remain in constant contact to understand the conditions of a deal, and, according to Romano, Gakpo already has an agreement with Spurs. At the same time, his representatives are also talking to Manchester City, who are exploring the possibility of bringing him to the Etihad.

If Gakpo leaves for either Tottenham or City, Liverpool will push to add another winger on top of Barcola. If he stays, the club are prepared to go into the season with their current attacking options.

For now, Barcola is on his way. Gakpo’s next move will decide whether Liverpool’s wide rebuild stops at one signing – or triggers another major twist before the window shuts.