Andoni Iraola has commented on ongoing transfer discussions surrounding Liverpool, notably regarding a potential deal for Bradley Barcola and the status of Cody Gakpo. Barcola has been linked with a move to Liverpool throughout the summer, and recent reports suggest the clubs have settled a fee structure, with a reported £100 million base price plus up to £20 million in add-ons. While confirmation has not been made public, the expectation in some circles is that a formal announcement could come soon.
If completed, Barcola would become Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing, trailing only Alexander Isak’s £130 million deal from the previous summer. The arrival would likely position Barcola as a starting option in the wide areas for manager Iraola.
Iraola declined to acknowledge the transfer as completed, emphasizing that discussions are ongoing. He noted that the club is focused on strengthening the squad in the wide positions and that there are multiple factors at play in the market. He stressed the need for patience and indicated that planning would begin in earnest once the transfer window progresses.
“I’m trying to sign in that position, but we can’t talk about players who aren’t ours yet,” Iraola said. “We’re working to improve and fill that area, and we don’t have the numbers. I hope we have good news soon, but we’re not there yet.”
When pressed about the timeline, Iraola added that there is uncertainty until the window moves forward. He explained that the club has a clear idea of the players they want, and they are in ongoing discussions to close deals. The manager also hinted at the possibility that certain moves could occur in the final days of the transfer period.
The deal for Barcola would mark the first major signing of what is anticipated to be a busy period for Liverpool ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1. Reports have suggested that Liverpool are aiming to add at least one more player in the near term, and the Barcola signing could influence future decisions.
The situation could also affect Cody Gakpo’s position at the club. Gakpo scored Liverpool’s opener in the opening league game of the season, and his name has been linked with potential moves away from Anfield during the summer. If Barcola joins and is deployed as the first-choice left winger, the club would assess whether an exit for Gakpo is feasible, with some reports suggesting a potential asking price around £75 million.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been active in the transfer market, recently completing signings that include Savinho and Omar Marmoush for a combined total of around £145 million. Depending on how market activity unfolds, Spurs could influence Liverpool’s strategic decisions regarding departures or further signings.
As the transfer window continues, Liverpool supporters will be watching closely for any official confirmation of Barcola’s arrival and for updates on Gakpo’s future. The club’s plans for strengthening the squad and managing player movements will likely become clearer in the coming days as negotiations progress and the market landscape evolves.
