The aftermath from transfer deadline day continues to dominate headlines for Liverpool
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has spoken about Cody Gakpo's potential summer departure falling through(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The transfer window may have shut, but the ripples of a frantic summer continue to wash over Anfield as Andoni Iraola prepares to lead Liverpool into Premier League action on Friday evening. For the first time this campaign, the Reds' head coach can approach a top-flight fixture without the constant background noise of transfer speculation.
Liverpool head to Portman Road to face Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town. The Reds have just two points from their opening two matches, following draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Few subplots proved more gripping this summer than the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Cody Gakpo, with both Tottenham and Manchester City circling the Dutch winger at various stages. Equally significant was the sheer volume of departures from Anfield as deadline day arrived.
Today's developments see Iraola speak out on Gakpo's current state of mind following his failed transfer, while a player who has left the club has made his feelings known about his Anfield exit.
Iraola on Gakpo transfer U-turn
Gakpo appears unfazed and fully committed despite coming close to leaving Liverpool on deadline day. After being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur for much of the summer, the Dutchman emerged as a target for City, who were prepared to pay in the region of £85million for the 27-year-old forward.
The transfer would only have gone ahead had Liverpool secured another attacking option. However, with pursuits of Crystal Palace's Isamaila Sarr and Brighton's Yankuna Minteh failing to bear fruit, Gakpo's departure was halted as the Reds turned down City's offer.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has been in good form so far this season(Image: Getty Images)
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The Dutch international, who has made an impressive start to the campaign, will feature in the squad to face Ipswich. Iraola has revealed he maintained open communication with Gakpo throughout the transfer saga and has no hesitation in selecting him for the Premier League fixture.
"My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning," the Basque head coach said. "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."
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Bajcetic waves goodbye
Stefan Bajcetic has posted an emotional message on social media as his Liverpool career drew to a close. The midfielder finalised his move to Celta Vigo on August 31.
Liverpool brought Bajcetic to the club in 2021 and he forced his way into the first team a year later, appearing destined to become a mainstay in midfield for seasons to come. A calf injury, however, severely hampered his progress and ruled him out for the majority of the 2023/24 campaign.
The 21 year old subsequently struggled to make an impact during loan spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas. Having entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, Liverpool opted to sell Bajcetic at a profit rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.
The midfielder, it seems, bears no grudges. Part of the Spanish star's message read: "The love you have gave me throughout the 5 years I spent in Liverpool has been incredible, it's easy to show love when things go in the right direction, but as you know it hasn't always been the case with me, and you have been there for me at all times.
"This club is a massive family and it wouldn't be with all the people that work for it, from chefs, kitchen staff, player care, groundskeepers, media, kit man, and all the hundred departments this club has, everyone makes out life so much easier and keeps this club as big as it is. I will miss you so much.
"Physios, doctors, medical department, what can I say, unfortunately, we got to spend so much time together, we lived so many ups and downs, and you have always gave your best for me, I will always be grateful. This club will stay in my heart forever. Once a red, forever a red."