Iraola Uncertain on Gakpo's Future as Liverpool Near £120m Barcola Deal

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola openly admitted he cannot promise that Cody Gakpo will stay at Anfield beyond the summer transfer deadline. The Dutch forward, who joined Liverpool in January 2023, has attracted strong interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City as the transfer window nears its end.

Gakpo’s Potential Exit Amid Transfer Market Frenzy

Gakpo has impressed at Liverpool with 51 goals in 181 appearances across all competitions. Despite this, Tottenham have shown consistent interest throughout the summer, while Manchester City are reportedly keeping an eye on the 27-year-old attacker. As Liverpool push forward to complete a record-breaking signing of Paris Saint-Germain's young talent Bradley Barcola, Gakpo’s departure seems increasingly possible.

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."

Liverpool Close to Signing Bradley Barcola

The Reds appear set to land their main attacking reinforcement after reaching an initial agreement with PSG for Bradley Barcola. The deal, which made major progress on Wednesday evening, could cost Liverpool just over £100 million upfront. With performance bonuses included, the total fee might climb to about £120 million.

Iraola was cautious when asked about Barcola's arrival, stating:

"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."

Midfield Reinforcements Remain Possible

Following a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, some fans questioned the squad depth, especially after a quiet transfer window that brought in only Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, Victor Munoz from Osasuna, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien, alongside the exit of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan.

Iraola said that although strengthening the attack is the priority, Liverpool may still make moves elsewhere if chances arise:

"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 Updates

With the transfer deadline close, questions remain about the futures of Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott, both left out of the squad against Newcastle. Chiesa is recovering from a minor muscle injury suffered during training, while Elliott faces tough competition for minutes under Iraola.

The manager commented:

"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."