Liverpool coach addresses Gakpo transfer failure and Barcola signing

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has addressed the failed transfer of Cody Gakpo to Manchester City. The Netherlands international’s reported £85 million move fell through on transfer deadline day after Liverpool declined the offer, reportedly because the club had not secured a replacement for the forward.

Iraola stated that he has maintained an honest relationship with Gakpo throughout the process and noted that the player was well aware of the market situation. The coach emphasized that Gakpo remains in a strong physical and mental state and is considered a valuable asset to the squad.

To bolster the attacking lineup, Liverpool completed the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million. Iraola described Barcola as a priority signing, noting the player's versatility to play on both the left and right flanks. The arrival of Barcola, alongside Gakpo and Victor Munoz, presents a tactical challenge for the coaching staff regarding positional balance in the attacking third.