Liverpool’s Transfer Window: Gakpo's Future and Barcola Pursuit

Liverpool’s transfer window was always going to be defined by what came after Mohamed Salah. A free transfer exit for a club icon, a hole on the right, and a clear brief: inject one-v-one devastation back into the wide areas.

So far, that rebuild is only half-built.

Munoz in, but Salah’s shadow still looms

Richard Hughes has landed Victor Munoz from Osasuna, activating the Spain World Cup winner’s £34 million release clause. It’s a smart, decisive move and gives Andoni Iraola a direct, aggressive option on the left.

But one signing doesn’t close the gap left by Salah. Not even close.

Liverpool are working on at least two more wide forwards. The plan is ambitious. The numbers are eye-watering.

Barcola: the No 1 target with a £145m problem

Bradley Barcola has been the top choice for weeks, ever since Liverpool backed away from Yan Diomande. The 23-year-old is seen as the premium solution out wide, the kind of player who can unbalance defences and carry the attacking burden in big games.

Paris Saint-Germain know it. Their stance is blunt: talks start at £145 million. No discount, no favour, no easy exit.

At that price, Liverpool are staring at a simple reality. To bring Barcola in, something — or someone — has to give.

Minteh pursuit ramps up

While the Barcola saga rumbles on, Liverpool have already moved for another wide option: Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

The 22-year-old Gambian, a left-footer with pace and edge, has been the subject of two bids from the Premier League champions — £50 million and £60 million. Brighton’s response has been just as clear as PSG’s.

£70 million, or no deal.

If negotiations reach that point, Liverpool will almost certainly need significant outgoings to finance both winger pursuits. And one name keeps circling the exit conversation.

Gakpo emerges as the sacrifice

Cody Gakpo, on £250,000 a week and now 27, is being lined up as a potential casualty of Liverpool’s wide rebuild.

Tottenham Hotspur have been consistently linked, with a fee of around £72 million being floated. For Roberto De Zerbi, Gakpo is not a luxury idea. He is a long-term target and, in the eyes of the Spurs boss, a key part of a near-total reshaping of his attack.

Spurs are already bringing in Manchester City pair Savinho and Omar Marmoush for the new season. Gakpo is viewed as the final piece of that frontline puzzle.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano now believes the move is close.

“Tottenham are working on it”

Speaking to his YouTube audience, Romano laid out the state of play.

“Don’t forget Cody Gakpo, because Savinho is going to Tottenham in London for medical tests and contract signing,” he said.

“Omar Marmoush is expected to go to Tottenham as a centre striker, and he’s a target that is probably going to happen in the next days, as I told you.

“But I told you always: right winger, left winger, centre striker. This was what I told you about Tottenham. And for the left winger, the name remains Cody Gakpo.

“Tottenham are working on it. Tottenham are working on the player side. Player terms are not an issue. And then Tottenham remain absolutely on it on the club side with Liverpool.

“So, Gakpo to Tottenham could be over in the next days if the total deal can be agreed.”

The message is unmistakable: personal terms are under control. Now it’s down to Liverpool and Spurs to align on the fee and structure.

From title winner to expendable

Gakpo arrived from PSV in January 2023 and shone during Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title-winning campaign, adapting across the frontline and delivering in key spells.

Last season, though, told a different story. His form dipped, his influence faded, and sections of the fanbase began calling for an upgrade in the forward line. Versatility turned into vulnerability as scrutiny grew.

In Iraola’s evolving system, his spot on the left now looks increasingly precarious. If Liverpool can land Barcola, that role is expected to be his. On top of that, the manager already has Rio Ngumoha and Munoz available for that flank.

Liverpool’s stated aim was to add one-v-one quality out wide. To do it at the level they want, they may have to let go of a title winner. The question now is not whether Gakpo fits the project — it’s whether his sale unlocks the next phase of it.