Liverpool Transfer Window Chaos: Elliott to Valencia, Gakpo Targeted by City
Liverpool’s transfer window was already tense. Now it is on the brink of becoming chaotic.
With the clock ticking down, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Harvey Elliott is closing in on a move to Valencia, while Cody Gakpo has emerged as Manchester City’s priority attacking target. Two high‑profile exits are suddenly on the table at a club that still looks light in several areas.
Elliott pushes for La Liga switch
Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool career has stalled. After an underwhelming loan spell at Aston Villa last season, the midfielder has slipped further down Andoni Iraola’s pecking order and is now prepared to look elsewhere for minutes.
Valencia have sensed an opportunity.
Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto first revealed that the La Liga side were moving in, describing negotiations as “very advanced” and making it clear the deal on the table is a loan. Elliott has already spoken directly with Iraola and, crucially, has asked to join Valencia. The player’s intention is no longer in doubt.
Romano has now backed that up. According to his latest update, Elliott has agreed personal terms with Valencia after positive talks, with discussions between the clubs ongoing to finalise the move. Liverpool still have to sign off the agreement, but the framework is in place.
Valencia are not alone in admiring Elliott. Romano notes that the 21-year-old has three proposals, yet the Spanish club are pushing hard to beat the competition, holding talks with the player’s camp and Liverpool as they try to close the deal before the window shuts.
If Liverpool approve the loan, Iraola will lose another body from an already thin squad. The irony is stark: a coach crying out for depth may watch a talented, if underused, midfielder walk away to find it somewhere else.
Barcola in, but questions mount
Liverpool’s frustration this summer has not come from inactivity alone. It has come from imbalance.
The long chase for Bradley Barcola has finally delivered a breakthrough. The PSG winger is set for a £100m move to Anfield, plus add-ons, becoming the club’s fourth major arrival after Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz.
Barcola brings flair, goals and upside. He also brings expectation. At that price, he has to change games quickly.
Yet his signing does not solve everything. Liverpool still look like they need at least one more forward, a midfielder and possibly a right-back before the deadline. Iraola’s squad remains small, his options narrow. Every departure tightens the squeeze.
That is why the next name in the frame will make Liverpool supporters uneasy.
Man City move for Gakpo
Just as Liverpool move to reshape their attack, Manchester City have stepped into the picture for one of their forwards.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that City are “pushing to agree a deal” for Cody Gakpo and have placed the Dutchman at the top of their attacking shortlist after allowing Savinho and Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham. With those exits, Pep Guardiola’s side are short in wide and hybrid attacking roles. Gakpo fits that profile.
O’Rourke admits the move would raise eyebrows. City had not been heavily linked with Gakpo earlier in the window, and his name has more often sat next to Tottenham’s in the gossip columns. Spurs have shown the “most concrete interest” in the Netherlands international over the summer, but City’s late surge changes the dynamic.
Liverpool, then, face a decision. Gakpo is not officially on the market, but serious pressure from a direct domestic rival tends to force conversations inside any club, especially one already juggling major incomings and outgoings.
A squad stretched on all sides
Strip it back, and the picture is stark.
Liverpool are closing in on a £100m winger. They are on the verge of loaning out a young midfielder who has pushed to leave for Valencia. Their head coach is working with a small squad and wants more reinforcements. At the same time, Manchester City are circling one of their forwards and calling him their top target.
Deals can still fall apart. Negotiations can stall. But if Elliott goes and City keep pushing for Gakpo, Liverpool’s final week of the window will not be about fine-tuning.
It will be about survival, ambition and whether a club with title aspirations can afford to lose this many pieces while still claiming to be stronger than last season.
