Cody Gakpo has reflected on the “shame” of Arne Slot‘s departure from Liverpool, which he says shocked the squad, with the Dutch winger now linked with an exit.
Gakpo was undoubtedly one of Slot’s most valued players over his two years at Liverpool, with only three players making more appearances for the head coach.
Speaking to ESPN while on duty with the Netherlands ahead of the World Cup, Gakpo claimed it was a decision none of the players saw coming.
“It is, of course, a shame that the manager has been sacked,” he said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 17, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (R) and assistant coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray A.?. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Especially so soon after the season where we had fought to qualify for the Champions League.
“But yes, I believe the club released a statement about that, with the explanation in it.
“Ultimately, I don’t think anyone, any of the players, saw it coming. But it certainly happened.
“Many of our players at the club are also working towards the World Cup now, so we’ll have to quickly put that aside, no matter how difficult that can be for someone.”
Asked whether he had been in contact with Slot since his exit, Gakpo said: “I sent him a message to thank him for the past two years, and of course with the highlight of last season.”
Will Cody Gakpo leave Liverpool this summer?
LEEDS, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 6, 2025: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the FA Premier League match between Leeds United FC and Liverpool FC at Elland Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot’s sacking has led to speculation over Gakpo’s future, as two new wingers are expected to arrive this summer with Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola linked.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano relayed interest in the 27-year-old, with it possible he leaves if Liverpool “receive an important proposal.”
“Liverpool want to go and strengthen the winger positions, they already lost Mohamed Salah, let’s see if some club arrives with a proposal for Cody Gakpo,” Romano said.
“There is interest in Cody Gakpo. Then it is going to be on Liverpool to decide whether he’s going to stay, he’s going to leave.
“That’s going to be a club decision, with the coach as well, Andoni Iraola.”
Liverpool Attackers: 2025/26 All Competitions
Player Mins per G/A Apps Goals Assts
Cody Gakpo 239.7 52 9 6
Hugo Ekitike 124.9 45 17 6
Mohamed Salah 143.2 41 12 10
Federico Chiesa 121 36 3 3
Rio Ngumoha 317.3 29 2 1
Alexander Isak 206.6 22 4 1
* Includes Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. Final stats for the 2025/26 campaign.
Gakpo was among the most concerning performers in Liverpool’s dreadful second season under Slot, failing to step up following the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
He clocked the most minutes on the pitch of any attacker but only managed nine goals and six assists in his 52 appearances in all competitions.
Having turned 27 in May, Gakpo is now among the oldest players in the squad and already finds himself in competition with the emerging talent of Rio Ngumoha, who will be 18 in August.
While Liverpool do not intend to allow Ngumoha to leave amid interest from Bayern, their stance is unlikely to be so strong when it comes to their No. 18.