For much of the summer, Cody Gakpo has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation.
Links with clubs across Europe have continued to emerge, leaving many Liverpool supporters wondering whether the Dutch international could be on his way out.
However, according to Lewis Steele, that doesn’t appear to be Liverpool’s expectation.
Speaking on The Redmen TV, Steele said:
“I’d be surprised if he wasn’t a Liverpool player come the end of the summer transfer window. I think the word internally is that they’re planning for next season with him.”
For supporters, that is perhaps the clearest indication yet that Liverpool still see Gakpo as an important part of Andoni Iraola’s plans.
A Fresh Start Under Iraola
Every managerial change creates new opportunities.
Players who may have struggled under one coach often thrive under another.
Gakpo will no doubt see this season as a chance to reset.
Despite flashes of quality during his Liverpool career, many supporters still believe they have not seen the very best of him.
Perhaps a different tactical approach is exactly what he needs.
The Talent Has Never Been in Doubt
Few question Gakpo’s ability.
He remains a technically gifted attacker capable of playing across the front line.
His strengths include:
Intelligent movement.
Excellent finishing.
Strong link-up play.
Composure in possession.
Versatility across multiple attacking positions.
When confident, he is a player capable of deciding matches.
The challenge has always been producing that level consistently.
Liverpool Still Need Depth
Keeping Gakpo also makes sense from a squad perspective.
Liverpool will compete across multiple competitions, and Iraola’s demanding style is likely to require heavy rotation throughout the season.
Selling another experienced attacker without a guaranteed replacement would leave the squad thinner than many supporters would like.
Depth could prove just as important as star quality over a long campaign.
Time to Silence the Doubters
If Lewis Steele’s information is accurate, Gakpo now has a huge opportunity.
Rather than being viewed as a player who could leave, he has the chance to establish himself as one of the key figures in Liverpool’s new era.
Supporters have seen many players flourish after difficult periods.
Perhaps Gakpo could be next.
The Verdict
There will undoubtedly still be speculation before the transfer window closes.
That is simply part of modern football.
But Liverpool’s reported stance suggests they are planning with Cody Gakpo in mind rather than preparing for life without him.
If Andoni Iraola can unlock the consistency many believe is still inside the Dutch forward, keeping Gakpo could prove to be one of Liverpool’s smartest decisions of the summer.
Sometimes the biggest improvement doesn’t come from a new signing.
It comes from helping an existing player reach the level everyone knows he is capable of.
Source: Lewis Steele via The Redmen TV.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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