Liverpool are closing in on a major summer signing that could have serious consequences for Cody Gakpo’s long-term prospects at the club.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool have opened official club-to-club talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal to sign Bradley Barcola this summer.
The Reds have indicated a willingness to submit a bid in excess of £86m for the France international, though PSG are holding out for a significantly larger fee.
Romano adds that talks between the two clubs are ongoing and that Barcola himself is keen on making the move to Anfield under Andoni Iraola.
Barcola operates primarily on the left wing, cutting in on his right foot, which puts him in direct competition with Gakpo for a starting position in Iraola’s side.
The 23-year-old produced 11 goals and 11 big chances created in Ligue 1 during the 2025/26 campaign, while also contributing two goals and four assists in the Champions League.
By comparison, Gakpo managed just seven Premier League goals last season despite playing 2,754 minutes, underperforming his xG of 8.46 across 36 appearances.
The 27-year-old Dutch forward actually played more minutes than the previous campaign, yet his goal output dropped from ten to seven and his big chances created fell from 11 to ten.
Gakpo’s declining numbers come despite a heavier workload, and that regression will be a concern for Liverpool’s hierarchy as they weigh up their options in the transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur have already held talks with Gakpo’s agents about a potential move to North London, with Roberto De Zerbi identifying the forward as a key target.
Liverpool are not currently open to selling Gakpo, but FSG’s position could shift considerably if they manage to land Barcola before the September deadline.
Gakpo has never reached 20 goals in all competitions in a single season for Liverpool, nor has he hit double figures for assists since arriving from PSV.
Barcola, meanwhile, racked up 21 goals and 18 assists across 58 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 season alone, underlining the gap between the two players.
His superior numbers as both a scorer and creator suggest he would immediately become the first-choice left winger in Iraola’s starting eleven.
If Barcola’s arrival pushes Gakpo further down the pecking order, FSG may ultimately choose to cash in on the Dutchman and allow Spurs to complete a deal before the window closes.