Iraola Hints at Gakpo Exit as Liverpool Nears £120m Deal for Barcola

Uncertainty Over Cody Gakpo's Future at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged that nothing is certain regarding Cody Gakpo's stay at Anfield beyond the summer transfer deadline. The Dutch forward, who joined Liverpool in January 2023 and has scored 51 goals in 181 appearances across all competitions, has attracted strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

The speculation around Gakpo's future comes as Liverpool moves closer to signing Paris Saint-Germain's rising star Bradley Barcola. This potential arrival fuels the possibility of Gakpo departing.

Iraola’s Take on the Transfer Market

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s 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 from the World Cup. I’d like to know how the market finishes, but at the moment I don’t know what’s going to happen. I can smell who we’re going to sign and what positions but experience shows you that if there’s an opportunity on the last day, you think: If it’s going to improve us, then let’s take it."

Progress on Barcola Signing

Liverpool have reportedly reached an outline agreement with PSG to sign Bradley Barcola. The deal involves an initial payment just over £100 million, potentially rising to around £120 million with add-ons linked to performance.

Iraola remained cautious when asked about Barcola's arrival:

"You know that we are trying to sign in this position and you know we cannot talk about players who right now are not ours. We are trying to fill that position as right now we don’t have the numbers. I hope to have good news soon but we are still not there."

Possible Midfield Additions

The recent 2-2 draw with Newcastle raised questions about squad depth, especially after a quiet summer window where Liverpool only brought in Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, while Curtis Jones left for Inter.

Iraola commented on potential further signings:

"Ideally is the magic word. There are certain things you can do and certain things you don’t know if you can do. It’s true that the priority has been to strengthen the wide areas. I’m sure if we can improve other areas then we will. But I don’t know how the market is going to finish. I have to be patient, the same as you. It’s uncomfortable for me because we’re dealing with uncertainties. In four or five days then we can make proper plans. On September 1, we will know the options that we have."

Squad Rotation and Player Availability

With the transfer window closing soon, questions remain about Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott. Both missed the matchday squad against Newcastle; Chiesa is recovering from a minor muscle injury, while Elliott appears to be competing for playing time.

Iraola explained:

"Different circumstances. Fede is not available, he felt something against Como. With Harvey, I can only choose 20. It’s about finding the right balance on the bench. In Harvey’s case, he’s trying and improving every week but still I prefer other options. I decided to put James McConnell in the squad. This is a new week with new chances for everyone and they have to keep that mentality."

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