Cody Gakpo looked to be heading for the exit at Liverpool after Manchester City launched a bid late in the transfer window, but the forward has still played an important for the Reds this season
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool warms up before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC at Portman Road on September 04, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo came close to leaving Liverpool during the summer window(Image: Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo had his head turned by Manchester City’s attempts to sign him, according to former Liverpool star Jason McAteer, but the Dutchman has been backed to play an important new role at Anfield.
Gakpo looked to be heading for an exit from Liverpool before the summer window closed, with a move to City having been discussed after a $109 million bid was made.
The 27-year-old was claimed to have chosen the move to the Etihad following speculation linking him with Tottenham, with Bradley Barcola’s arrival at Anfield having put his future in doubt. Liverpool though would end up rejecting City’s offer, keeping Gakpo on Merseyside.
And the forward has arguably been the Reds’ standout player so far this season. He has been involved in four of the six goals scored by Andoni Iraola’s side so far, scoring one and picking up three assists, including two against Ipswich on Friday.
Speaking to TEAMtalk, McAteer feels Gakpo now has a more important role to play in Iraola’s side, having become one of the more senior players in the side.
“It’s been framed as Gakpo needing to find a way back, but I wouldn’t say it’s like that at all,” McAteer said.
“He’s had a fantastic start to the season, scoring goals and being heavily involved in Liverpool’s best moments in their games so far.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Cody Gakpo during the Premier League match against Ipswich Town
Cody Gakpo has assisted all three of Alexander Isak's goals so far this season(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“Barcola predominantly plays on the left – he played on the right for PSG, but left is his main spot.
“Cody started on the right against Forest, and while it didn’t quite click, he’s far more suited to the left or down the middle, where we’ve seen his quality for the Netherlands and Liverpool.
“But there is a role for him at Anfield this season, make no mistake.
“Beyond the pitch, you need leadership in the dressing room. Cody’s experience is hugely valuable, especially with Virgil van Dijk losing leaders like [Mohamed] Salah and Andy Robertson from that core leadership group.”
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McAteer also voiced his frustration at the way in which Gakpo’s transfer saga played out, with speculation still surrounding his future as he began the new season with Liverpool.
“I’m not a fan of the transfer window remaining open once the season has started – it unsettles players and managers.
“Cody’s performances were fantastic, and then his head got turned by a potential move that was on, then off, then on again. That’s a prime example of why the window should close earlier.
“But now he’s staying, that right-hand side is still up for grabs. Nobody has cemented it down.
“Victor Munoz has also done well there so will compete with Gakpo. But Gakpo will get plenty of game time, either filling in down the middle if Isak is out, or operating on the right.”