Liverpool have now made a decision regarding Cody Gakpo’s future at the club this summer, according to a key update from reliable journalist Alex Crook.
The Dutchman was one of many Reds players who fell way below his best last season, too often looking short on confidence and one-dimensional out on the left wing.
Mohamed Salah has already departed on the opposite flank, and rumours have linked Gakpo with a Liverpool exit, too, with Victor Munoz arriving in his role from Osasuna.
But according to talkSPORT‘s Crook, the Reds see a future for the 27-year-old at Anfield, and aren’t planning on selling him ahead of the 2026/27 season:
“Liverpool do not plan to sell winger Cody Gakpo this summer. Gakpo is among Tottenham’s list of transfer targets while several other clubs are also keeping tabs on the Netherlands ace.
“Despite his form tailing off last season, sources have informed talkSPORT that the 27-year-old remains part of their plans. In fact, Liverpool are looking to add to their wide options, not reduce them. PSG’s Bradley Barcola is their dream target, but the message coming out of the French capital is that he is very much off limits.”
Does Cody Gakpo deserve to stay at Liverpool?
As mentioned, Gakpo underwhelmed hugely last season, leading to many Liverpool supporters being happy to see him move on, amid rumoured interest from Tottenham.
But he was part of a struggling team that became badly coached under Arne Slot, and he is a force on his day, being lauded by his former manager for his importance during their time together:
“For me, he is a regular starter. Not starting every game but he’s started on a regular basis. There is tough competition with Luis Diaz. It’s normal at a club like Liverpool to have two quality players for every position.”
Gakpo will need to go up a gear in order to be a key starter under Andoni Iraola, but there is still sense in keeping him, in terms of squad depth in wide areas.
At least one more winger is needed on top of Munoz – Paris Saint-Germain and France star Bradley Barcola could be the ideal choice, as Crook alludes to – but Gakpo has enough to offer to justify retaining him.