Liverpool's £170m gamble on Barcola threatens Gakpo's future

Liverpool face a widening gap on the left side after last season’s starter Cody Gakpo appears set to become a substitute, prompting the Premier League giant to target a replacement. The club is reportedly preparing a €170 million offer for Bradley Barcola, a move that could reshape the Reds’ attacking options.

Cody Gakpo started most matches for Liverpool in the previous campaign, but recent indications suggest the Dutch international may be relegated to the bench under the new plan.

The Premier League‑giant Liverpool have turned their attention to Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint‑Germain, confirming concrete interest in the 23‑year‑old French winger.

Barcola sits behind Désiré Doué in Paris Saint‑Germain’s pecking order, yet he has expressed a desire to move to Anfield Road. The French international, who will feature at the World Cup 2026, carries a market value of €90 million and remains under contract at the Parc des Princes until mid‑2028.

Various media reports claim Liverpool must meet a €170 million price tag to secure the player. Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, said a personal agreement will be reached soon because the terms pose no problem and Barcola wants to join Liverpool.

Romano added that the relationship between Liverpool and Paris Saint‑Germain is excellent, but the financial aspect remains crucial. He expects the official bid to be submitted in a few days, noting that the €170 million asking price is unlikely to be the final transfer sum but clearly represents a massive outlay.

Liverpool have already demonstrated a willingness to spend heavily, having paid €145 million for Alexander Isak in the previous season.

Barcola can operate on the right flank, but his natural position is as a left‑winger; his arrival would therefore diminish Gakpo’s playing time.

The club now faces two scenarios: either Gakpo becomes a bench player or Liverpool will attempt to sell him. The Dutch forward earns £13 million per year, a cost the Reds are reportedly eager to shed. He has also been linked with Atlético Madrid, though it is unclear whether Diego Simeone still maintains interest.

The next steps involve finalising the bid within the coming days, navigating the high price and Barcola’s long‑term contract at the Parc des Princes, which together form the main obstacles to completing the transfer.