Liverpool's Transfer Window Crisis: Elliott Heads to Valencia, Gakpo Targeted by Man City

Liverpool’s transfer window is threatening to unravel just as it finally looked like taking shape.

Harvey Elliott is on the brink of leaving Anfield for Valencia on loan, Cody Gakpo is being pushed for by Manchester City, and Andoni Iraola’s already thin squad is in danger of being stripped back even further.

Elliott pushes for Valencia switch

After a flat loan spell at Aston Villa, Elliott has slipped further down the Liverpool pecking order and now appears set for a fresh start in La Liga.

Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto first revealed that Valencia were closing in on the 21-year-old, reporting that negotiations were “very advanced” and that the deal would be a loan. Crucially, he added that Elliott had already spoken directly with Iraola and asked to join the club – a clear indication of where the player sees his future, at least for this season.

The story has now been backed up by Fabrizio Romano. The transfer specialist says Elliott has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Valencia after “positive talks”, with discussions ongoing between the clubs to finalise the move.

Romano previously reported that Valencia had made an official approach to Liverpool and that Elliott had three proposals on the table. Valencia, though, are pushing hardest, in talks with both the player’s camp and Liverpool as they try to beat the competition to his signature.

If completed, it would be another body out of a Liverpool squad that already looks light on depth.

Barcola in, but gaps remain

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has at least delivered a major coup. The PSG winger is set to join in a £100m deal plus add-ons, becoming the club’s fourth summer signing after Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz.

It’s a blockbuster arrival, but it doesn’t mask the wider issue. Iraola is still working with a small group and, with Elliott heading for the exit and more departures likely, the need for further reinforcements is obvious. Another forward, a midfielder, perhaps a right-back – Liverpool’s to-do list in the final days of the window remains long.

For now, though, the movement seems to be more about outgoings than arrivals.

Man City turn up heat on Gakpo

Elliott may not be the only attacker to walk away from Anfield before the deadline.

Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Manchester City are “pushing to agree a deal” for Cody Gakpo, describing the Dutchman as City’s “top target” after the exits of Savinho and Omar Marmoush left them short in attacking areas.

O’Rourke admits the move would raise eyebrows, calling it “a surprise that City are actively considering a move for Cody Gakpo,” but underlines that Pep Guardiola’s side are firmly in the market for offensive reinforcements. Gakpo, he notes, has also been a long-term target for Tottenham this summer, with Spurs showing the most concrete interest until now.

If City decide to move decisively, Liverpool could find one of their key forwards under serious pressure to leave at the same time as squad players are being trimmed.

Barcola’s arrival offers excitement and promise. Yet as Elliott edges closer to Valencia and City circle around Gakpo, the bigger question looms: are Liverpool building a contender, or dismantling one before the season has even settled?