Liverpool's Transfer Window Uncertainty: Elliott to Valencia, Gakpo Targeted by Man City
Liverpool’s transfer window is threatening to unravel just as it finally looked like catching fire.
Harvey Elliott is on the brink of leaving Anfield for Valencia, with Cody Gakpo now firmly in Manchester City’s sights, even as Liverpool prepare to drop £100m plus add-ons on Bradley Barcola.
Elliott pushes for Valencia escape
Elliott’s Liverpool career has stalled. A flat loan at Aston Villa last season did nothing to change his status in a crowded midfield and attacking department, and now the 21-year-old is edging towards a fresh start in La Liga.
Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto first revealed that Valencia were closing in on a deal, reporting “optimism between the parties” and that Elliott had already spoken directly with Andoni Iraola, making it clear he wants the move. The plan is a loan.
That line has now been strengthened by Fabrizio Romano, who says Elliott has agreed personal terms with Valencia after “positive talks”, with negotiations ongoing between the clubs to finalise the deal. Romano also noted that Valencia made an official approach and that Elliott has three proposals on the table, with the Spanish side working to beat the competition.
Elliott, once viewed as a long-term creative spark for Liverpool, now looks like the latest casualty of a squad overhaul that still feels incomplete.
Barcola in, but holes remain
Liverpool’s chase of Bradley Barcola, at least, has delivered. After a long pursuit of the PSG winger, the Reds are set to land the highly rated 21-year-old for £100m plus add-ons, a huge outlay that underlines both his ceiling and Liverpool’s desperation for attacking thrust.
Barcola will become the club’s fourth summer signing, following Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. On paper, that sounds like a serious rebuild. In reality, Iraola is still working with a squad that looks thin in key areas and short on depth for a gruelling season.
Liverpool still look like they need at least one more forward, another midfielder and potentially a right-back before the window shuts. Instead, the immediate movement could be outbound.
Man City circle Gakpo
The next potential exit is a headline one. Cody Gakpo, signed as a marquee attacking piece not so long ago, is now a live target for Manchester City.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that City are “pushing to agree a deal” for the Dutchman and that he has become their “top target” after Savinho and Omar Marmoush departed for Tottenham, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side lighter in attacking areas than they would like.
O’Rourke admitted it is “a surprise that City are actively considering a move for Cody Gakpo”, but City’s need for attacking reinforcements is real. Gakpo has also been on Tottenham’s radar all summer, with Spurs said to have shown the most concrete interest in the Netherlands international before City stepped up.
If Elliott leaves on loan and Gakpo is seriously courted by the champions, Liverpool face a stark question in the final days of the window: are they building a squad to challenge, or stripping it back just as the real battles begin?
