Liverpool's Transfer Moves: N'Guessan, Barcola, and Gakpo

Liverpool’s attacking rebuild is accelerating on two fronts: one for the future, one for right now.

Liverpool seal ‘here we go’ for N’Guessan

Fabrizio Romano has delivered his trademark “here we go” on Liverpool’s move for Djylian N’Guessan, with the Saint-Etienne forward set to become the latest piece in the club’s long-term planning.

The 18-year-old, regarded as one of AS Saint-Etienne’s brightest prospects, will remain in France for another season before joining Liverpool in the summer of 2027. Romano confirmed that an agreement is in place with both club and player, and that Liverpool have already been given the green light to conduct medical checks.

The move was first flagged by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who revealed on X that negotiations between ASSE and Liverpool had reached an advanced stage, with only “last details to settle”. He later reported that Saint-Etienne had effectively opened the door for their young star to leave, despite his contract running until 2027, and that talks with Liverpool were close to conclusion with only hours left to finalise the transfer.

Romano then followed up, stating that Liverpool had struck a deal for the versatile French attacker, describing N’Guessan as another signing for the future, following on from Lucca Brughmans.

It is a move that fits a clear pattern. Liverpool are determined to stockpile elite young talent while simultaneously trying to refresh Andoni Iraola’s forward line before the window shuts on Tuesday night.

Barcola in, Gakpo out?

The immediate focus, though, is at the top end of the pitch.

Bradley Barcola is already on the brink of completing his switch from PSG, having passed his medical on Sunday and prepared to sign what has been described as a blockbuster deal. His arrival is expected to set off one of the window’s biggest attacking dominoes.

Cody Gakpo is primed to leave Anfield for Manchester City, with the Netherlands international turning down a proposed £85 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in favour of joining Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad. The Barcola deal is viewed as the trigger that allows Liverpool to cash in.

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, said that Gakpo has already reached an agreement on personal terms with City and that the Premier League champions have lodged an £85 million bid with Liverpool.

But there is a catch.

Liverpool will only sign off on Gakpo’s exit if they land a right winger before the deadline. No winger, no sale.

Sarr the priority as Palace hold firm

That stance has thrown the spotlight on Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, who Romano describes as Liverpool’s leading candidate ahead of Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

Liverpool have already tested Palace’s resolve. Romano revealed that the Anfield club submitted an official written offer worth £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons – a total package of £50 million – earlier in the week. Palace rejected it.

Publicly, those links were denied or downplayed. Privately, the bid was very real. Romano insisted he could “guarantee 100%” that Liverpool had sent a formal proposal, not just a verbal enquiry.

Palace, for now, are standing firm and continue to say no to Sarr’s departure. At the same time, they are quietly scouring the market for potential replacements in case an offer arrives that they are prepared to accept.

Sarr, according to Romano, wants the move. He wants Liverpool. The decision now rests with the clubs.

Minteh remains an option in the background, but Sarr is the name at the top of Liverpool’s list as the hours tick down.

A frantic finish ahead

Behind all this, Iraola’s side are being bombarded with offers and suggestions. Agents and clubs know Liverpool need a winger. Romano says players are being offered to Anfield “every minute”.

The picture is clear. N’Guessan is one for tomorrow. Barcola is almost in. Gakpo is almost out.

And somewhere between London and Merseyside, the fate of Ismaila Sarr could yet decide how dramatic Liverpool’s final day of the window becomes.