Liverpool set Gakpo asking price as Barcola transfer nears

Liverpool has opened the door to selling Cody Gakpo this summer and has made clear what it will take to sign him. The Reds have set an €85m asking price for the Dutch forward, according to reports, and are now prepared to consider offers. That marks a shift from the club's earlier stance, when it insisted Gakpo was not for sale. The change is tied to Liverpool's growing confidence in a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. Barcola has become Liverpool's priority for the rest of the window, although PSG is holding out for €170m. Liverpool has no intention of meeting that valuation, but the club is expected to make a formal bid of around €100m in the coming days. If that deal goes through, Gakpo's exit could follow. The change of heart over Gakpo also reflects the wider picture at Anfield. Liverpool has already signed Victor Munoz, and the emergence of Rio Ngumoha has strengthened its options on the left. Adding Barcola would leave the squad even more crowded in that area, and the 27-year-old Gakpo is viewed as the most likely departure. Tottenham is among the clubs showing serious interest, with the winger near the top of its shortlist. The €85m valuation is notable because it places Gakpo slightly above the €80m Barcelona paid Newcastle for Anthony Gordon, showing Liverpool still rates him despite his inconsistent form. Gakpo was important under Arne Slot, but new head coach Andoni Iraola has yet to make a firm call on him. While the Dutch international contributes goals, his performances on the wing have frustrated at times, and Iraola may prefer to reshape the attack in a different way. Liverpool also needs to plan for life without Mohamed Salah on the right. Barcola, Gakpo, Ngumoha and Munoz all favor the left flank, as does Federico Chiesa, who remains at the club despite expectations that he might be sold. The final decision on Gakpo will likely depend on how the Barcola deal develops, what PSG demands, and Liverpool's other business - including a move for at least one defender and ongoing interest in Curtis Jones.