Cody Gakpo was heavily linked with a departure from Anfield at the end of the summer transfer window following links to both Tottenham and Man City, though the Dutchman ended up staying put
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool FC during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC
Cody Gakpo has stayed at Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he is still "very happy to pick" Cody Gakpo and hopes he can "keep him at the same level" despite the forward's failed transfer to Manchester City at the end of the summer window.
Gakpo, 27, was heavily linked with a move away from the Reds in the final few days leading up to transfer deadline day after both Tottenham and Man City expressed interest in taking him away from Anfield, especially once Bradley Barcola's arrival from PSG was confirmed.
Eventually, it was City that became the most likely destination for the Dutchman, with reports that both clubs were locked in intense, late-window negotiations, though a deal is said to have collapsed at the final hurdle after Liverpool rejected a $108 million bid from their Premier League rivals.
Gakpo is believed to have agreed in principle to a five-year contract with Enzo Maresca's side, having explicitly chosen a move to the Etihad over staying at Anfield or joining Tottenham, and was keen to work under the former Chelsea head coach.
However, after failed pursuits of Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaïla Sarr, Liverpool eventually blocked Gakpo's exit for fear of being left short on attacking depth.
As a result, Gakpo remains a Liverpool player until January at least, and Iraola has now provided an insight into exactly what went on in the final few days leading up to deadline day, as well as his overall happiness to still have the Netherlands international on the books.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is happy to still have Gakpo amongst his attacking options this season(Image: Getty Images)
"My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning," Iraola told reporters in Thursday's pre-match press conference. "He has played very well for us so far.
"He was always aware of the situation in the market. We were constantly talking. I hope we can keep him at the same level. He is in a good place physically and mentally, and I'm very happy to pick him."
Gakpo had made an impressive start to the season for Liverpool, starting both the 2-2 Premier League draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, in which he scored and assisted.
While the former PSV star underwhelmed last season, registering nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, Gakpo is still seen as an important part of Iraola's plans for the Spaniard's debut season in the dugout at Anfield, as evidenced by his two starts this campaign so far.
Cody Gakpo vs Newcastle
Gakpo has started both of Liverpool's Premier League games this season, providing a goal and an assist(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
That's also despite the Reds bringing in further forwards in Victor Munoz from Osasuna and Barcola from PSG, the latter of which occupies the same position on the left wing as Gakpo and is highly expected to make the spot his own this season.
However, Gakpo's versatility makes him a major asset to Iraola, as he can play through the middle if required, making him a good back-up option for current No. 9 Alexander Isak, who remains Liverpool's only out-and-out striker amid Hugo Ekitike's recovery from a long-term injury.
While Barcola gets up to speed, though, Gakpo is expected to remain Liverpool's starting left winger for Friday's trip to Ipswich at least, and if he adds to his one goal and one assist against the Tractor Boys, there's no reason why he can't hold down his position a little while longer.