Tottenham have received a potential boost in the transfer market after Liverpool reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Bradley Barcola.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the next step is for the clubs to exchange documents within the next 24 hours. Barcola’s arrival could have a major impact on Liverpool’s attacking options and potentially open the door for Cody Gakpo to leave before the September 1 transfer deadline.
Spurs have been linked with a move for the Dutch international, although any possible transfer could depend on Liverpool bringing in one or even two additional attacking players.
Barcola arrival could open the door for Gakpo
Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola is reluctant to let Gakpo leave during the current transfer window.
That stance would make sense if Liverpool were only planning to strengthen one area of their attack, particularly if they failed to bring in another striker to provide cover and competition.
However, Sky Sports reports that Liverpool would ideally like to add another forward to their attacking department this summer. If that happens alongside the arrival of Barcola, Gakpo’s chances of securing a move away could increase significantly.
Liverpool could demand a huge fee
Any club hoping to sign Gakpo may have to pay a substantial transfer fee. Compared with Manchester City’s reported £85 million package involving Savio and Tottenham, Liverpool could value Gakpo in a similar price range.
The former PSV forward has already proven himself in the Premier League and has shown that he can perform consistently at the highest level. His ability to operate on the left side and rotate with other attacking players also makes him a valuable option.
Why Liverpool may want to keep him
Despite the speculation, there is a strong argument for Liverpool holding on to Gakpo.
With Alexander Isak unlikely to be able to play every match across a demanding season, Liverpool will need quality options and regular rotation if they want to compete for trophies on multiple fronts.
Gakpo may not be the perfect long-term solution as a central striker, but he remains one of the strongest alternatives currently available to Liverpool. Unless the club can bring in another suitable attacking option, allowing him to leave could weaken their squad depth significantly.
For Tottenham, though, Barcola’s potential arrival at Anfield could be the development that gives them renewed hope of landing Gakpo before the transfer window closes.
