Liverpool's Transfer Window: Elliott's Move to Valencia and Gakpo's Pursuit by Man City

Liverpool’s window is starting to look like a high‑wire act.

Harvey Elliott is closing in on a move to Valencia, Cody Gakpo is being pushed towards Manchester City, and Andoni Iraola is still waiting for the squad depth he was effectively promised.

Elliott pushes for Spain as Valencia close in

Harvey Elliott, once tagged as one of Liverpool’s brightest midfield hopes, is on the brink of a La Liga switch after a flat loan at Aston Villa left him no closer to a regular place at Anfield.

Down the pecking order and short of minutes, the 21-year-old has turned to Valencia. Journalist Matteo Moretto first revealed that the Spanish club are “negotiating for Harvey Elliott” and that “there is optimism between the parties.” The move gathered pace quickly.

Moretto went further, reporting that Elliott has already spoken directly with Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and “has asked him to join Valencia.” Talks between the clubs are described as “very advanced” and the deal is set to be a loan.

Fabrizio Romano has now backed that up, stating that Elliott has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Valencia after “positive talks.” According to Romano, negotiations between the clubs are ongoing as they work to finalise the deal on Liverpool’s side.

Romano had earlier confirmed that Valencia had made an official approach, with Elliott weighing up three proposals but the Spanish club pushing hard to “beat competition” and in constant contact with the player’s camp and Liverpool.

If completed, it would be another significant outgoing from a squad that already looks light in several areas.

Barcola in, but more gaps appear

Liverpool’s frustration in the market has been clear. The club have chased PSG winger Bradley Barcola all summer, and that long pursuit is finally set to pay off: Barcola is expected to join for £100m plus add-ons, a huge statement fee for a wide forward.

He will become their fourth summer signing, following Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. On paper, that’s serious business. On the pitch, it still feels incomplete.

The squad remains thin. Iraola, trying to implement his ideas with limited options, is working with a group that arguably still needs at least one more forward, a midfielder and possibly a right-back before the window shuts. Instead of reinforcements, more exits are looming.

Elliott’s impending loan is one. Gakpo could be another.

Man City step up Gakpo chase

Manchester City have turned their attention to Cody Gakpo, and they are not circling quietly. Journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that City are “pushing to agree a deal” for the Liverpool forward and that he has become their “top target” after the departures of Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Those exits have left City short in attacking areas, and they are moving aggressively to fix it.

“It’s a surprise that City are actively considering a move for Cody Gakpo,” O’Rourke admitted, before underlining why the champions are in the market. With Savio and Omar Marmoush heading to Tottenham, City need fresh firepower. Gakpo, long admired elsewhere, has emerged as their preferred option.

Tottenham have been tracking the Dutchman throughout the summer and, according to O’Rourke, have shown the “most concrete interest” up to now. City’s push raises the stakes and puts Liverpool under fresh pressure at a delicate moment in their rebuild.

A squad in flux as the clock ticks

So Liverpool stand here: Barcola inbound for a huge fee, Elliott close to Valencia on loan, Gakpo wanted by the champions, and Iraola still short in key positions.

The window has days left. The squad is shrinking as quickly as it is being rebuilt.

Liverpool wanted evolution. What they are staring at now is something closer to a gamble.