Discussions around Cody Gakpo are gathering pace on the final day of the transfer window. According to a source close to the situation, Manchester City and Tottenham are now in the race to sign the Finn, while Liverpool is seriously considering its options. The Anfield club is meanwhile finalizing the arrival of Bradley Barcola from PSG in a record deal worth £106 million, potentially rising to £123 million with add-ons.
A complicated transfer window for Liverpool
Liverpool is going through a transitional period with already confirmed reinforcements. After signing Victor Muñoz from Osasuna this summer, the club is finalizing the deal for Barcola, who would commit until 2031. The €106 million fee, with add-ons that could push the total to €123 million, would make it the second most expensive transfer in the club’s history, behind Alexander Isak’s arrival for €125 million. PSG initially demanded €145 million, but negotiations ultimately resulted in a more accessible financial structure. The paperwork remains to be completed, and Barcola still needs to undergo a medical examination. On the exit side, Manchester City has already allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham, reducing Enzo Maresca’s options on the wing. In the last match against Crystal Palace, City fielded no true winger on the bench, with Phil Foden positioned on the right—a player Maresca himself admitted is not a specialist in that role. Jack Grealish, meanwhile, is of interest to Everton and Sunderland, with the latter club appearing more likely for a return to the Toffees, depriving City of an additional solution.
Gakpo, the top target for City and Spurs
Before signing Savio and Marmoush, Tottenham had already targeted Gakpo in this transfer window. Manchester City, for its part, is looking to strengthen its squad after losing two of its young talents. Discussions are also advancing on the Finn’s personal terms, and he could represent an ideal solution to fill the wingers shortage in both clubs. Gakpo’s situation at Liverpool remains uncertain, as the club must also manage negotiations for a second reinforcement in that position, Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace, following unsuccessful talks with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh. Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s manager, has taken a cautious stance on Gakpo’s future. After the 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest, where Gakpo provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal, Iraola told TNT: “We have two or three days to see what happens for everyone. I’m looking forward to September 2 and knowing our squad.” He added: “It’s true that we created both goals from the right, and it was very well constructed.”
Barcola sets new record for Liverpool
The arrival of Bradley Barcola marks a turning point in Liverpool's financial history. The 23-year-old Frenchman, regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Ligue 1, is set to join Anfield on a five-year deal. The €106 million fee, with an additional €17 million in bonuses, makes this transfer just behind Isak’s, the club’s all-time record signing. Liverpool is banking on Barcola to invigorate their attacking play, as the club looks to strengthen its right flank—a recurring weak spot from the previous season. Fans hope this signing will help the team regain its Premier League excellence. Meanwhile, Liverpool continues its search for a second winger, with Ismaila Sarr as the primary target. Negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh, deemed too expensive, have fallen through, leaving Liverpool with one more position to fill. The transfer window closes in a few hours, and the Reds must finalize their signings before the official deadline.
Fréderic Manet · 30 août 2026 · 4 min de lecture
