Liverpool’s interest in Bradley Barcola has intensified, with sources indicating the club is open to parting ways with Cody Gakpo should the Paris Saint-Germain winger be secured. According to multiple reports, Liverpool have signaled their willingness to listen to offers for Gakpo, potentially seeking around €85 million for the Dutch international. This would help finance a move for Barcola, with Liverpool allegedly preparing a bid in the region of €100 million, despite PSG’s firm stance at €170 million. Meanwhile, other outlets suggest Liverpool are confident they can negotiate a fee below PSG’s reported £120 million asking price, while Gakpo could be available for approximately £72 million.
Tottenham have emerged as a potential destination for the Dutchman. The debate, therefore, has shifted from whether Liverpool want Barcola to whether he would genuinely enhance the squad enough to justify moving on a player who has been crucial over the past two campaigns.
Barcola vs Gakpo: Who offers more?
At 23, Barcola is four years younger than Gakpo and brings a different profile as a winger with long-term potential. The France international operates primarily on the left flank but is comfortable on the right or through the middle. His key attributes include explosive acceleration, elite dribbling in tight spaces, and a willingness to take on defenders directly. Analysts have consistently praised his pace, finishing, and close control. His 2025/26 league numbers, however, dipped compared to his breakout season, with the former Olympique Lyonnais forward netting 11 Ligue 1 goals and adding one assist. He also contributed six goal involvements across 16 Champions League outings.
That does not necessarily diminish Barcola’s effectiveness, as he has never been a prolific scorer (he managed five league goals in 40 appearances for Lyon before joining PSG). The sheer depth of attacking talent at PSG meant he competed with the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué for minutes; still, he featured regularly and posed a consistent threat that opponents struggled to contain. Signing him would be a bet on his ceiling rather than his current output. Gakpo, in contrast, offers proven production and experience.
The Dutchman has already reached 50 goals for Liverpool in 177 appearances. He also registered 18 goals and seven assists in 2024/25, helping Liverpool secure the Premier League title. Standing at 6-foot-4, Gakpo provides a physical dimension that Barcola cannot match. He is versatile enough to play on the left, centrally, or even in a deeper role, and his defensive work rate makes him valuable in high-intensity matches. Inconsistency has been cited as a reason for the transfer speculation, but his numbers and age (entering his prime, whereas Barcola is still developing) are factors Liverpool cannot overlook.
The verdict: Experience should take precedence
For Liverpool’s long-term trajectory, Barcola might be the smarter acquisition. For immediate reliability, the choice is less clear. Barcola would add a dimension Liverpool have missed: a winger who can stretch defenses, beat his marker, and create separation with pace and trickery.
That makes him an appealing option as Liverpool reshape their attack following Mohamed Salah’s departure. The catch is that they would need to offload a proven Premier League performer – the only other player who matched Salah’s output over the last two seasons – for £72 million and spend close to £100 million or more on a less established talent. That is a significant risk that could backfire on Andoni Iraola.