Virgil van Dijk backs Bradley Barcola transfer but delivers blunt warning over Cody Gakpo exit

Virgil van Dijk has welcomed Liverpool’s impending £123million move for Bradley Barcola — but has made it clear that he does not want Cody Gakpo to leave Anfield.

Liverpool are expected to complete the blockbuster deal for the Paris Saint-Germain forward after agreeing an initial £110m fee, with a further £13m available in add-ons. Barcola is due to undergo his medical on Merseyside before signing a five-year contract.

The move would make the 23-year-old the second most expensive player in Liverpool’s history and represents another major statement from the club during Andoni Iraola’s first season in charge.

Yet while some supporters have questioned whether another attacking signing should be the priority, Van Dijk believes Barcola can add a different level of quality to a Liverpool side still searching for its first league win of the new campaign.

Van Dijk gives Barcola his verdict

Liverpool have failed to win either of their opening two league matches, increasing pressure on Iraola as he begins life at the club.

Van Dijk, however, believes the potential arrival of Barcola would give Liverpool an exciting attacking weapon.

“He’s a good player, that’s the only thing I can say,” the Liverpool captain said.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players.

“This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we’re going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don’t.

“The window is open until Tuesday, right? Let’s see what happens.”

The Dutch defender also highlighted Barcola’s pace and recalled a goal the winger scored against Chelsea.

“He’s a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea,” Van Dijk added.

“If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms. But until it’s official, there’s no point speaking about it.”

Van Dijk makes his feelings clear on Gakpo

The potential arrival of Barcola is expected to have consequences elsewhere in Liverpool’s attack, with Cody Gakpo now being tipped to leave the club.

Tottenham and Manchester City are both understood to be interested in the Netherlands international, and his departure would create room for Barcola within Iraola’s forward options.

Van Dijk, though, has made his position unmistakable.

Asked whether he wanted Gakpo to remain at Liverpool, he replied: “What do you think? He’s a quality player. I think we should keep quality players.”

He then added a more personal reason for wanting his compatriot to stay.

“Let’s see what the next few days bring,” Van Dijk said. “I want him to stay not only because he’s a quality player, but also because he’s a friend of mine.

“He’s very important for us.”

Liverpool facing a crucial few days

The next stage of Liverpool’s transfer business could therefore bring both a major arrival and a significant departure.

Barcola’s prospective £123m move would underline the club’s willingness to invest heavily in Iraola’s attack, while Gakpo’s potential exit would remove a player Van Dijk clearly considers valuable to the squad.

For now, the Liverpool captain is happy to welcome Barcola if the deal is completed — but his message over Gakpo is considerably more direct.

With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, Liverpool’s next few days could determine the shape of Iraola’s squad for the remainder of the season.