Gerrard backs £123m Barcola signing to take Liverpool to the next level

Steven Gerrard has thrown his full support behind Liverpool’s move for Bradley Barcola, declaring the Paris Saint-Germain winger can “take Liverpool to the next level” as the club close in on a £123m deal for the 23-year-old.

The Reds have pursued Barcola for much of the summer window, with a transfer that once seemed unlikely gathering momentum after the French winger slipped down the pecking order at PSG. The arrivals of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, followed by Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, altered the landscape in Paris — and Liverpool moved quickly to capitalise.

PSG initially valued Barcola at £145m, but Liverpool have negotiated the fee down to £106m plus £17m in add-ons, bringing the total to £123m.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s fixture against Nottingham Forest, Gerrard was effusive in his praise. “Incredible talent,” the former Liverpool captain said. “This is a player who has won two Champions Leagues in the last two years. I don’t think he’s hit his ceiling yet — still think there’s potential there. Growth. He can evolve into an even better player, which is very exciting. But it’s the type of level of player that’s gonna help take Liverpool to the next level. So I think it’s a fantastic deal.”

Meanwhile, the future of Cody Gakpo has also come into focus, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City linked with the Dutch forward. The 27-year-old had an inconsistent campaign last season, and journalist David Ornstein outlined the options now facing him.

“Cody has a big decision to make because he’s got three very good options,” Ornstein explained. “He either stays at Liverpool, where he’ll be a great asset — already has been so far. He moves to Manchester City, their interest is genuine. Or he goes to Tottenham, and they’ve been pursuing him for some time. Pros and cons to all of those options.”

Tottenham have undergone a significant rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi, while Manchester City are seeking attacking reinforcements after offloading Savio and Omar Marmoush. Whether Gakpo’s departure would be contingent on the Barcola deal being finalised remains to be seen, but the arrival of a winger of Barcola’s calibre would inevitably reshape Liverpool’s attacking options heading into the new season.