Liverpool's agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola for a deal worth up to £123 million has strengthened their attack, but it could also leave Cody Gakpo facing fresh uncertainty over his future at Anfield.
BBC reported that Liverpool have agreed an initial £106 million fee for the 23-year-old France international, with a further £17 million available in add-ons. Barcola is expected to undergo a medical this weekend before signing a long-term contract.
Barcola's preferred position is on the left wing, the same area where Gakpo has often operated for Liverpool.
That immediately raises questions over the Netherlands forward's place in the squad.
Gakpo has remained an important attacking option, but Liverpool's move for Barcola suggests they want another high-level player competing for a starting role rather than simply adding squad depth.
Multiple sources told BBC Sport that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have shown interest in Gakpo.
Liverpool have not indicated that the Barcola deal automatically means Gakpo will leave, but the Frenchman's arrival changes the situation. At 23, Barcola is also a significant long-term investment, while his ability to play on either wing or through the middle gives Liverpool greater flexibility in how they use their forwards.
Barcola joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5 million and has since established himself as one of Europe's most promising attackers.
He has won three Ligue 1 titles, two Champions League trophies, two French Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup during his time in Paris. He also scored three goals for France at this summer's World Cup.
His versatility could be particularly useful for Liverpool.
With Hugo Ekitike recovering from a serious Achilles injury, Barcola can provide another option through the middle and offer cover for Alexander Isak. His ability to switch between the wings also gives Liverpool more ways to rotate their attack.
The move is part of a wider rebuild of Liverpool's frontline following the departures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah over the past two summers.
But with Barcola arriving and Liverpool still looking for a right winger, competition for attacking places is becoming intense.
Liverpool have explored moves for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, indicating that Barcola may not be the final attacking addition this summer.
For Gakpo, that could make the coming days particularly significant.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola was asked about the Dutchman's future and admitted he "cannot guarantee anything", although he made clear that he wants to keep him.
"Gakpo has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and his holiday, with a very good attitude," Iraola said.
"I hope we can keep him at that level because I think he has been very influential in our games."
The manager's comments underline the dilemma. Liverpool value Gakpo, but they are also investing heavily in attacking competition.
Barcola's arrival does not necessarily push Gakpo towards the exit, but it certainly makes his position less secure.
With Tottenham and Manchester City reportedly interested, Liverpool could now face a decision over whether to keep an experienced forward who remains useful to the squad or cash in while his market value is strong.
For now, Barcola's arrival gives Liverpool more attacking quality.
