Liverpool’s rebuild under Andoni Iraola officially begins next week, with supporters finally getting their first glimpse of the new-look squad ahead of what promises to be a pivotal campaign.
The Reds return for pre-season training next week, giving Iraola his first opportunity to begin shaping the squad in his image while allowing Liverpool’s new arrivals to make an early impression.
Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet are the only two confirmed additions so far, but further business is expected before the transfer window closes in September.
What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?
The biggest headlines have centred around Liverpool’s search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian departed alongside Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate this summer.
The Merseyside giants have been consistently linked with several potential replacements, including RB Leipzig talent Yan Diomande and Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.
However, the possibility of further departures has also dominated speculation over recent months, with the futures of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa still uncertain, while Cody Gakpo has also attracted interest.
Reports this week have credited fierce rivals Manchester United with an interest in the Netherlands international, while long-term admirers Tottenham Hotspur have also been named among his potential suitors.
Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele has offered an insight into Gakpo’s future at Anfield and Liverpool’s current stance:
“He’s not as off-limits as he was maybe 12 months ago, but I still think 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.”
Should Liverpool sell Cody Gakpo?
Selling Gakpo this summer would create another major challenge for Iraola at a time when Liverpool should be reducing uncertainty rather than increasing it.
The Reds are entering a significant transition following the departures of several influential figures from the club’s most successful modern era and recruitment will be vital over the coming weeks, but retaining a core of experienced players could prove just as important.
With Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker entering the final year of their contracts, they are among the few remaining players who experienced almost the entirety of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and played key roles in Liverpool’s modern success.
Gakpo, once described as “bright” by Klopp, joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and quickly became an important part of the German’s evolving attack.
Since then, he has established himself as a consistent presence in the first team.
Like many of his teammates, the Dutchman endured an underwhelming campaign last season, but Iraola’s high-intensity, attack-minded philosophy could provide the ideal platform for him to rediscover his best form.
Gakpo’s versatility, willingness to press aggressively and ability to operate across the front line make him a natural fit for Iraola’s tactical approach, rather than being viewed as expendable, he could be one of the players to benefit most from the change in direction.
Given the current state of Liverpool’s attack following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, the injury issues that disrupted last season and Salah’s departure, it would likely require an extraordinary offer for the club to consider selling one of the most experienced forwards remaining in the squad.
For that reason, Liverpool should resist any temptation to cash in.
Replacing Salah is already one of the biggest challenges facing the club this summer, and weakening the attacking unit even further by selling Gakpo would only make Iraola’s rebuilding job significantly more difficult.