Liverpool Agree Bradley Barcola Deal as Tottenham Wait on Cody Gakpo Transfer Call

Liverpool have moved decisively in the market, with TeamTalk reporting that an agreement has now been struck with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola, while Tottenham Hotspur continue to monitor Cody Gakpo’s situation closely.

The headline figure is eye-catching. TeamTalk states that “The Barcola deal is now set at £123million, which includes add-ons”, a sum that underlines Liverpool’s determination to strengthen their attack under Andoni Iraola. The same report adds that the France international “will make the PSG winger the second-most expensive signing in British football history”.

There is also little ambiguity around the next steps. Barcola is said to be “heading to Merseyside to undergo his medical ahead of signing a five-year contract that is already in place.” In practical terms, that points to a deal that is effectively done, barring any late administrative issues.

Barcola transfer reshapes Liverpool attack

What makes this one especially significant is the knock-on effect. Liverpool’s recruitment has not been conducted in isolation and Barcola’s arrival appears to have direct implications for Gakpo. According to TeamTalk, “The 27-year-old has made it clear to Liverpool that he wants to leave the club and specifically wants to join Tottenham.” That is a strong detail, particularly at this stage of the window.

There is further encouragement for Spurs in the same update. “Tottenham have already agreed terms in principle with Gakpo” and “reaching an agreement with Liverpool would not be an issue, with the north London club prepared to pay a fee in excess of £60million.” From Tottenham’s side, the groundwork appears advanced.

Cody Gakpo stance softens at Anfield

Liverpool’s position, however, remains conditional rather than fully permissive. TeamTalk explains that “That position has now softened to a certain extent, with the Reds prepared to allow him to leave, but only if they can bring in another forward following Barcola’s arrival.” That caveat matters.

The Merseyside club are thought to be considering further attacking options, with Ismaila Sarr and Matheus Fernandez-Pardo both referenced. It is also clear Liverpool are not acting from a place of urgency to sell. “We understand that the Reds have no qualms about keeping Gakpo if the right replacement cannot be secured.”

That stance has been strengthened by recent evidence on the pitch. Gakpo “scoring in their entertaining 2-2 draw at Newcastle” served as a reminder of his value, and Liverpool “remain comfortable with the Dutchman staying at Anfield, despite his preference to move to Tottenham.”

Deadline day pressure grows for Tottenham

As things stand, this is a deal that Tottenham can still believe in, but one that may hinge less on their own negotiations and more on Liverpool’s ability to complete another incoming. The report is explicit, “Gakpo’s future does depend on Liverpool’s ability to complete another forward signing before Tuesday’s deadline.”

That leaves Spurs in a familiar late-window position, interested, prepared, and waiting. Liverpool have secured a major attacking piece in Bradley Barcola. Whether that now clears the path for Cody Gakpo to head to north London will depend on what Iraola’s side can finish in the final days.

Our View

From a Tottenham perspective, this feels like the sort of opportunity the club have to push hard to complete. If Gakpo really “wants to leave the club and specifically wants to join Tottenham”, then Spurs should be doing everything possible to make the move happen before the deadline. Players of this level, with Premier League experience and proven output, do not become available too often.

There is plenty to like here for Tottenham supporters. Gakpo would bring versatility, physicality and end product across the front line. He can play wide, drift inside and add real threat in transition, which would give Tottenham another dimension in big matches and against deep blocks. The suggestion that terms are already in place is also encouraging, because it indicates the player sees the project and wants in.

The concern, naturally, is Liverpool’s replacement hunt. Spurs fans will know that once another club’s outgoing depends on an incoming, the process can become unpredictable very quickly. Liverpool clearly value Gakpo, and his goal in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle only reinforces that. If they fail to land another attacker, they may simply shut the door.

Even so, Tottenham should stay aggressive. A fee “in excess of £60million” is serious money, but for a player entering his prime and actively pushing for the move, it could prove worthwhile. Supporters will be hoping this is one of those deals where patience and conviction pay off right at the end of the window.