MUNICH, GERMANY - JULY 02: Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands speaks to the media in a post match press conference after the team's victory in the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Romania and Netherlands at Munich Football Arena on July 02, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo's past comments may provide a hint to what's next
Liverpool's capture of Victor Munoz has sparked debate about the future of . The Dutch international could find his place on the left under threat following and - were he to leave - he has previously dropped hints about preferred destinations.
Gakpo moved to from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, with the transfer confirmed weeks after his eye-catching World Cup performances with the . A matter of weeks beforehand, though, he named the Reds as where he believed he could flourish.
"I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that [next] step," the forward told in November 2022. "I feel like I was already that way at the start of this season, but after this season, I'm even more ready to take that next step."
When pressed on potential destinations, he said: ", , , and Liverpool. It would be an honour to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team would suit me best."
[
Liverpool handed immediate injury blow after announcing transfer](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/victor-munoz-injury-latest-liverpool-37319897)
Gakpo's new colleague Munoz became Liverpool's second summer acquisition after Jeremy Jacquet, and the first since Andoni Iraola was confirmed as the Reds' new boss. The £35m Spaniard is currently part of Spain's World Cup contingent, though he didn't make it off the bench in La Roja's opener against .
"The forward, who is currently on World Cup duty with , completed a medical at the country's base in Tennessee in the and has put pen to paper on a long-term contract," a Liverpool statement read. "Munoz is the first new addition since the arrival of head coach Andoni Iraola and will link up with his new teammates later this summer after his participation in the tournament with his national team has concluded."
Victor Munoz will join his new Liverpool team-mates after the World Cup (
Image:
Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Further new recruits are expected at Anfield before the window shuts. The Reds have progressed with a package for Yan Diomande, which could see them spend upwards of £86m on the Ivorian winger as they prepare for life after .
Gakpo may yet remain, particularly with Hugo Ekitike not anticipated back in action for some time following an achilles injury. Nevertheless, with Munoz operating from the left and Rio Ngumoha expected to feature more prominently after a breakthrough campaign, now might be the moment to secure a sale.
The 27-year-old penned a fresh contract last August, tying him to Anfield until 2030. That should guarantee the Reds are able to command a respectable fee for a player who cost them approximately £40m more than three years ago.
and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our .
Premier League Tickets 26/27 Seat Unique