Bradley Barcola may be Liverpool’s dream signing this summer, but the club’s most important decision could ultimately centre around Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has dominated headlines for weeks, and the speculation shows no sign of slowing down. The Paris Saint-Germain winger remains the club’s priority attacking target as Andoni Iraola continues shaping his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Yet while much of the focus has centred on whether Liverpool can agree a fee with the French champions, another question is beginning to emerge. That question is not about who arrives, but rather about who might have to leave to make room.
What Happens To Cody Gakpo?
Tottenham’s renewed interest in the Dutch international has added a fascinating layer to Liverpool’s summer planning, and it has forced internal discussions that were not expected earlier in the window. Earlier in the summer, the Reds had little intention of entertaining offers, and Gakpo was viewed as a secure part of the attacking group.
Now, however, the situation feels less straightforward, and the certainty around his future has begun to shift slightly. That is not because Gakpo has suddenly become expendable, but because Liverpool’s squad is evolving quickly around him.
Far from it, in fact, as since arriving from PSV Eindhoven, the Netherlands international has developed into one of Liverpool’s most dependable attackers, and his consistency has become one of his defining traits. Whether operating through the middle or from the left, he has consistently offered goals, intelligent movement, and tactical flexibility, all of which are highly valued in Iraola’s system.
Managers trust players like Gakpo, especially in high-pressure environments where reliability matters as much as flair.
But football rarely stands still, and Liverpool’s forward line is once again undergoing significant change. Mohamed Salah’s departure has already forced a major rebuild in attacking areas, and Alexander Isak’s arrival has given Iraola a new focal point in the final third.
Barcola’s Arrival Changes Outlook
If Barcola also arrives, Liverpool’s attacking options become exceptionally strong, but also increasingly crowded. Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Isak, Barcola, Hugo Ekitike once fit, and a group of exciting academy players would all compete for minutes across the front line.
That naturally raises questions about opportunities elsewhere in the squad, particularly for players who are not guaranteed starters every week.
Selling Gakpo would undoubtedly generate significant funds while also easing competition for places, and from a purely financial perspective, it could make sense for the club. It would also help balance a squad that is beginning to look overloaded in attacking areas.
From a football perspective, though, the decision is much more complicated, and it is not one that can be reduced to simple accounting.
Liverpool have spent years assembling a squad filled with players capable of performing across multiple positions, and that versatility has become a core part of their identity. Gakpo embodies that philosophy more than most, as he is comfortable adapting to different roles without complaint.
He rarely dominates headlines, but he almost always contributes in meaningful ways, whether through goals, link-up play, or intelligent pressing. He can start matches or influence them from the bench, and that adaptability is invaluable over a long season.
He understands the demands of the Premier League, and he has already adjusted to its intensity and physicality. Crucially, he has also proven he can deliver on the biggest occasions, which is a trait that cannot be easily replaced.
Sentiment May Not Stand In Liverpool’s Way
Liverpool have shown throughout the summer that sentiment will not stand in the way of difficult decisions, and no player is entirely untouchable if the right offer arrives. However, there is a clear difference between refreshing a squad and weakening it in the process.
If Barcola does arrive, Liverpool will undoubtedly have to make choices about minutes, roles, and squad balance. But unless an extraordinary offer lands on the table, Gakpo feels like exactly the sort of player Iraola should be building around rather than cashing in on.
Signing Bradley Barcola would be a statement of intent, and it would signal Liverpool’s ambition in the transfer market. Keeping Cody Gakpo, however, might prove just as important in ensuring that ambition translates into sustained success on the pitch.
