Liverpool close in on Barcola as Gakpo future uncertain

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has refused to guarantee that forward Cody Gakpo will remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window, which closes on September 2. His comments come as Liverpool are finalizing a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and are exploring further attacking reinforcements.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 27, Iraola addressed the speculation surrounding Gakpo, who scored in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on August 24. "He is playing very well for us, he has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and after the holidays, a good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because he has been very influential," Iraola said. However, he added, "When the market is open you cannot guarantee anything with anyone."

The uncertainty around Gakpo's future is linked to Liverpool's imminent signing of Barcola. The club has reached an agreement in principle with PSG for the France international, with a guaranteed fee of just over £100 million and potential add-ons that could take the total to around £120 million. The deal is not yet officially completed, but progress was reported overnight...