Cody Gakpo is staying at Liverpool.
After days of speculation linking the Dutch forward with a move to Manchester City, Liverpool have rejected City’s latest attempt to sign him.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City made a £75 million bid plus £5 million in add-ons for Gakpo, but Liverpool turned it down.
The pursuit is now over, with all parties apparently aware of the situation following direct communication between the clubs and the player’s representatives.
For Liverpool supporters, this is potentially huge news.
Liverpool have said no
Manchester City clearly wanted Gakpo.
A package worth £80 million is a serious offer, particularly for a player who hasn’t always been a guaranteed starter at Liverpool.
But the Reds have decided that it isn’t enough.
And I have to say, I’m pleased.
Liverpool have already lost a number of important players this summer and the last thing they need is another attacking option walking through the door on Deadline Day.
Gakpo staying is massive for Iraola
Andoni Iraola’s squad has already been stretched.
The Liverpool manager has inherited a team that has undergone significant changes, while injuries have also affected his options.
Keeping Gakpo gives him another experienced attacking player who can operate in several positions.
He can play from the left.
He can play through the middle.
He can play on the right.
That versatility is incredibly valuable when you’re competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.
Just imagine if Liverpool had sold him
Liverpool have already lost Mohamed Salah.
Curtis Jones has left.
Ibrahima Konaté has departed.
Andy Robertson is also no longer at the club.
And if Gakpo had followed them out of Anfield, the attacking depth would have become a major concern.
Even with Bradley Barcola arriving, Liverpool need options.
Alexander Isak needs competition and support.
Barcola needs time to settle.
And Liverpool cannot realistically expect their new signings to play every minute of the season.
Gakpo staying suddenly makes the squad look a little healthier.
A chance for Gakpo to prove himself
There is also another side to this.
Gakpo now has an opportunity.
He knows Manchester City wanted him.
Liverpool have rejected £80m for him.
That should tell him something about how highly the club still value him.
Rather than looking at this as a transfer that didn’t happen, Gakpo can use it as motivation.
He can stay at Anfield and fight for his place.
And with the number of matches Liverpool are going to play, there will be opportunities.
Barcola and Gakpo could be frightening
One of the most exciting possibilities is seeing Gakpo and Barcola competing for places.
Barcola gives Liverpool incredible pace and directness.
Gakpo offers a different profile.
He’s powerful, intelligent and capable of playing centrally as well as from the wing.
Iraola now has options.
And that is exactly what Liverpool need.
Manchester City move on
Manchester City, meanwhile, have apparently ended their pursuit of Gakpo.
They are now fully focused on trying to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández.
That means Liverpool won’t have to worry about another late bid for Gakpo.
The situation is apparently settled.
Gakpo stays.
My verdict
I’m delighted with this.
Liverpool have already had an incredibly busy summer.
There has been plenty of change within the squad, and Iraola needs as many quality options as possible.
Selling Gakpo now, even for £80m, would have created another problem for the manager to solve.
And that’s the last thing Liverpool need.
Sometimes keeping a player is more valuable than taking the money.
This is one of those occasions.
Gakpo is staying.
Manchester City have been told no.
And now it’s up to Cody to show Liverpool exactly why they refused to sell him.
Welcome to another season at Anfield, Cody.
Now go and make sure City regret not getting you.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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