Liverpool star Cody Gakpo continues to show his qualities to Andoni Iraola, with the head coach seeing firsthand the quality that the Dutch winger has in preseason
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio
Cody Gakpo has impressed in preseason amid links with a Liverpool transfer exit(Image: (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images))
Cody Gakpo's future at Liverpool may be uncertain, but he certainly hasn't played like someone who is feeling the weight of that transfer speculation in preseason.
The winger has been the subject of interest from Tottenham, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to add the forward to his ranks in the final few weeks of the summer transfer window. The 27-year-old has a long-term contract at Anfield, but with potential changes coming out wide for Liverpool, the possibility of joining Spurs has seemingly increased as the market has dragged on.
Reports claim that Gakpo has agreed personal terms with Tottenham, with club-to-club negotiations remaining as the only major hurdle to clear before a deal can be sealed.
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With a stance set over seemingly wanting to leave Liverpool, some players would perhaps rein in their performances a bit or hold some in reserve while thinking about that next move.
But that isn't the case for Gakpo, who is showing himself to be the model professional, while he is still looking to earn a place in Andoni Iraola's team.
The Netherlands international impressed in his return to action against Monaco, but it was his display against Como on Sunday that truly caught the eye.
Gakpo picked up a goal and an assist for the Reds, finishing off a team move for the opener before teeing up Jeremy Jacquet with a cross to the back post for the second.
It was perhaps the clearest message yet to Iraola that the star is capable of playing in this new-look Liverpool team, with plenty of quality at his disposal to make the most of opportunities.
Gakpo is congratulated by his teammates after his razor-sharp finish opened the scoring against Como
Gakpo is congratulated by his teammates after his razor-sharp finish opened the scoring against Como (Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
It's unclear whether that will change the club's stance on Gakpo, which appears to be open to the sale of the star if the right offer appears in the final few days of the transfer window.
That might have to take into account the other wide options that could arrive on the market, with Liverpool eyeing a deal for Bradley Barcola to strengthen his preferred left flank, while Ibrahim Mbaye could also join to strengthen the right wing.
That's without mentioning the arrival of Victor Munoz, who is a versatile option across the frontline, as well as the competition that Rio Ngumoha could provide on the left or the right.
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It all sets up a rather interesting few weeks for the Merseyside outfit, with it being unclear exactly who could be available for the opener against Newcastle and beyond when it comes to transfers in and out of the club.
However, Gakpo has sent the clearest message yet that he could be the ideal fit for Iraola, even if his struggles last season left many frustrated.