Liverpool continue pursuit of Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace with Cody Gakpo’s future in doubt

Liverpool’s transfer strategy has shifted into overdrive this week, with three attacking reinforcements now the priority before Tuesday’s deadline. Andoni Iraola’s plan to rebuild Mohamed Salah’s right-wing role has taken concrete shape: Bradley Barcola is set to arrive from PSG for at least £100m, while Ismaila Sarr remains a live target at Crystal Palace. The Reds’ pursuit of two wingers has thrown Cody Gakpo’s future into uncertainty, with Tottenham already circling the Dutch forward.

Barcola deal clears final hurdle as Liverpool eye third winger

Liverpool have agreed a £100m fee with PSG for Bradley Barcola, with an additional £20m in add-ons pushing the total to £120m. The 23-year-old France winger will become Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing after Alexander Isak, though his fee falls short of PSG’s original £145m valuation. Barcola, who has played more on the left for PSG, will join as part of a wider rebuild following Salah’s free transfer exit to Trabzonspor. The Reds had also pursued Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, who instead joined Real Madrid, and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, whom Liverpool abandoned after the Seagulls resisted offers. Barcola’s arrival leaves one more wide berth to fill—Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr.

Iraola confirmed Liverpool’s ambition to add three attacking players before the window shuts, with two earmarked for wide roles. Barcola’s imminent medical in Paris marks the first step, but the Reds are not yet done. Sarr, 28, remains a target despite Liverpool’s initial £50m offer being rejected by Crystal Palace. The Senegal international’s comfort on the right wing aligns with Liverpool’s need to replace Salah, though Palace’s valuation suggests they expect a higher price. Reports indicate Palace are also in advanced talks to sign 19-year-old French midfielder Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, a deal that would net them around £25m and further reshape their squad under new ownership.

Gakpo’s future hangs by a thread as Spurs circle

Cody Gakpo’s future is now in question after Liverpool’s pursuit of two wingers. Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, have made their interest clear, and Iraola offered no guarantees about the Dutchman’s stay. “When the market is open, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone,” the Liverpool manager said when asked about Gakpo’s status. Spurs’ pursuit comes despite their own summer spending exceeding £300m, but De Zerbi’s insistence suggests Gakpo remains a priority. The Dutchman’s versatility—he can play centrally or wide—makes him an attractive option for multiple Premier League clubs, with Manchester City also monitoring his situation.

The uncertainty around Gakpo is compounded by Liverpool’s broader transfer activity. Barcola’s arrival would push the Reds’ attacking ranks deeper, while Sarr’s inclusion would further complicate Gakpo’s role. If both deals materialise, Liverpool could field a front three of Barcola, Sarr, and Luis Díaz, with Gakpo left to find minutes elsewhere—or a new club. The Reds’ attacking depth would then include five recognised wide forwards, creating a logistical challenge for Iraola to manage minutes and morale.

Palace’s transfer business contrasts with Liverpool’s ambition

While Liverpool push for three attackers, Crystal Palace have focused on youth and strategic sales this week. The Eagles signed US prospect Gozo for £11m, a move that underscores their long-term planning under new ownership. Palace are also closing in on a deal for 18-year-old French midfielder Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, a transfer that would net them around £25m. These moves suggest Palace are prepared to sell Sarr if the price is right, but their valuation may yet prove a stumbling block for Liverpool. Reports suggest Palace have set a £70m asking price for Sarr, a figure that would require Liverpool to significantly increase their initial offer.

The contrast between Liverpool’s high-stakes gambles and Palace’s pragmatic rebuild highlights the different pressures each club faces. For Liverpool, the window is now a test of Iraola’s vision; for Palace, it’s a chance to recoup value on assets while securing the future. Palace’s new ownership, led by John Textor, have made it clear they are willing to sell key players if the bids are right, but they are also keen to build a sustainable squad for the long term.

Liverpool’s next 48 hours will determine whether Barcola lands, Sarr joins, and Gakpo departs. If all three moves materialise, Iraola’s reshaping of the attack will be complete—but the cost, both financial and in squad harmony, will be steep. For now, the only certainty is that Liverpool’s transfer activity is far from over, and the race to secure their final targets will only intensify as the deadline approaches.

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