Liverpool Set to Sign Bradley Barcola as Gakpo's Future Hangs in Balance
Liverpool are closing in on a blockbuster deal for Bradley Barcola – and Cody Gakpo’s future suddenly looks far less secure.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has delivered his trademark “here we go” on Liverpool’s move for the Paris Saint-Germain winger, confirming that an agreement is in place between the clubs and that only the paperwork and formalities now stand between Barcola and Anfield.
Barcola deal: fee, timing, and a long chase
David Ornstein of The Athletic first reported on Thursday morning that Liverpool and PSG had finally settled on a fee, with the transfer “now at the final stages” after weeks of negotiations.
Romano then went a step further, outlining the structure of the agreement and the mood inside both camps on his latest YouTube video.
“Bradley Barcola to Liverpool is ‘here we go’, deal agreed in principle between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, and now waiting for the documents to be prepared, exchanged and checked by the lawyers,” he said, adding that Barcola will then receive authorisation to travel for medical tests and to sign his contract.
Liverpool have pursued Barcola for a long time and had earmarked the France international as their top target for the left flank. At one stage, reports in France and England insisted PSG would not sell, with talk of a €170m valuation. Romano pushed back on that narrative and has now detailed the real numbers.
Liverpool will pay £100m as a guaranteed fee, with PSG sources indicating they expect to receive around €140m once add-ons are triggered. The structure leaves both clubs satisfied: PSG bank a huge sum, Liverpool land a winger they regard as one of the best in the world, and Barcola gets the move he wanted.
“Liverpool wanted Barcola in summer 2025 and now they’ve got him,” Romano explained, describing all parties as “happy” with the outcome.
Spotlight turns to Gakpo
Once the Barcola news dropped, attention immediately swung to what it might mean for Cody Gakpo.
The Dutchman has been the subject of persistent speculation this summer, with Tottenham and now Manchester City both exploring a possible deal. Liverpool, aware of that uncertainty, have already tested the market for another wide player, submitting bids for Yankuba Minteh and making enquiries for Ismaila Sarr, only to see those initial moves rebuffed.
Romano made it clear that Liverpool’s next step in the market 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 transfer, and Gakpo already has an agreement with Spurs, according to Romano. At the same time, his agents are also speaking to Manchester City as they weigh up their options.
If Gakpo leaves for either Tottenham or City, Liverpool are ready to push again for another winger to follow Barcola through the door. If he stays, the club are prepared to go into the season with their current attacking group.
Barcola is coming. Gakpo is listening. The next move now belongs to Liverpool – and to the clubs circling their Dutch forward.
