Iraola Hints at Possible Gakpo Departure as Liverpool Nears Deal for Barcola
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has admitted he cannot promise that Cody Gakpo will stay at Anfield past the summer transfer deadline. The Dutch forward has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City as the transfer window nears its end.
Uncertainty Clouds Gakpo’s Status
Gakpo, who joined Liverpool in January 2023, has netted 51 goals in 181 appearances across all competitions for the club. Tottenham have pursued him actively this summer, while Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the 27-year-old attacker. Meanwhile, Liverpool are progressing with a record-breaking move to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, which raises questions about Gakpo's future at the club.
Speaking before Liverpool's upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, Iraola said: "When the market is open, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone. We don't know who will arrive. Cody is playing very well for us. He's been very good since he came back from the World Cup. I'd like to see how the market finishes, but right now I don't know what will happen. I can sense who we might sign and which positions we need, but experience shows that if an opportunity arises on the last day, you think: If it improves us, then let's take it."
Liverpool Closing In on Barcola
The Reds seem set to bolster their attack after reaching a preliminary agreement with PSG for Barcola. Negotiations made significant progress on Wednesday evening, with Liverpool ready to pay an initial fee just above £100 million. Including add-ons tied to performance, the total package could reach around £120 million.
Despite nearing completion, Iraola remained cautious when asked about Barcola's arrival: "You know we're trying to sign someone for this position, but we can't talk about players who are not ours yet. We're working to fill that spot because currently, we lack numbers there. I hope to share good news soon, but we're not there yet."
Possible Midfield Reinforcements
After a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United stirred discussions about squad depth, particularly following a quiet summer window, Iraola acknowledged the club remains open to further signings if the right chances come up. So far, Liverpool have added Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, Victor Munoz from Osasuna, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien, while Curtis Jones departed for Inter.
Iraola commented on the club's transfer approach: "'Ideally' is the magic word. There are things you can do and things you might not be able to. The priority has been strengthening wide areas. I'm sure if we can improve other areas, we will. But I don't know how the market will end. I have to be patient, just like you. It's uncomfortable because we face uncertainties. In four or five days, we can make proper plans. On September 1, we'll know our options."
Squad Rotation and Player Availability
Questions linger over the status of Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott, both absent from the squad against Newcastle. Chiesa is recovering from a minor muscle injury sustained during training, while Elliott appears to be competing hard for minutes under the new management.
Iraola explained: "Different circumstances. Fede is unavailable due to something he felt in training. With Harvey, I can only choose 20 players. It’s about balancing the bench. Harvey is trying and improving every week, but I preferred other options this time. I decided to include James McConnell in the squad. Each new week brings new opportunities, and they must keep that mentality."
Recent Liverpool Transfer Window Moves
- Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes
- Victor Munoz from Osasuna
- Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien
- Curtis Jones to Inter
