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Worth more than Kerkez & Gordon: Slot hit the jackpot on “monster” Liverpool talent - opinion

FSG aren't resting on their laurels this summer, brushing away the cobwebs like a house servant possessed ahead of Arne Slot's second season in charge at Liverpool.

Cobwebs, admittedly, are few and far between. Liverpool won the Premier League last season, in case you missed it, having achieved the feat with a squad almost identical to the one Jurgen Klopp left behind when he departed 12 months ago.

But Slot hasn't replicated his predecessor in facsimile, instead taking the same pieces and crafting something new. However, for all of the Anfield side's success on the league front, they did fall across the various cup competitions, and it's clear that increased depth will be needed to take this brilliant team to the next level.

Richard Hughes and Arne Slot

Just imagine what he might achieve when backed to the hilt in the transfer market. Luckily, such dreams will become the reality of Reds supporters all over. Liverpool are mercilessly attacking the transfer market.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

Liverpool have already offset the disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid by signing the rapid Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.

Advanced discussions also seem to be coming to a head in regard to Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, who has been targeted as Andy Robertson's long-term successor at left-back.

However, with Mohamed Salah extending his contract by two years, it's the left side of Liverpool's squad that requires more attention, especially with Luis Diaz mooted for a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.

Florian Wirtz is at the heart of lengthy and complicated negotiations between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, with FSG prepared to offer what would be a British-record bid of £118m to secure the world-class playmaker.

He'd nestle into the number ten spot, though, which is why Liverpool have centred on Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, should Diaz leave. The former Everton star could fetch an £80m fee to bring back to Merseyside.

Gordon-Newcastle-Howe

Though Diaz would need replacing, Gordon might not automatically walk into Slot's starting XI, no matter the fee required to bring him over from Tyneside.

Indeed, Cody Gakpo has produced a stunning season for Liverpool.

Liverpool have hit gold on Cody Gakpo

When Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for £35m in January 2023, he arrived off the back of an eye-catching World Cup showing with the Netherlands, scoring in each of Oranje's group stage fixtures.

However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. The initial half-season Gakpo spent on Merseyside was one of great turbulence for Liverpool, but he still managed to impress in bursts.

And after a 2023/24 campaign that promised further improvements, albeit with Gakpo's best position proving a nebulous thing, Klopp shuffling him across every inch of the park, he's hit his stride in Slot's system, recording his most productive haul yet.

Cody Gakpo - Liverpool Career by Season (all comps)

Season

24/25

23/24

22/23

Data via Transfermarkt

Hailed for his "monster" season by journalist Declan Carr, the 26-year-old's quality has been such that suitors are beginning to take note of his skills.

Indeed, with Liverpool looking set to have beaten Bayern Munich to the signing of Wirtz, the Bundesliga champions have focused their sights on Gakpo, report Sky Germany.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins the Premier League

However, given that FSG have set their asking price at €100m (£84m), it's unlikely that Die Roten will continue to chase their quarry.

The player's price tag does illustrate his calibre, indeed proving even more than one of English football's finest wingers in Gordon.

Just for reference, take a look at how the Dutchman compares with Gordon for Premier League performance last season. Is it fair to say Gordon arriving for an £80m fee might not even be able to oust Gakpo for his leading role on the left flank?

PL 24/25 - Cody Gakpo vs Anthony Gordon

Stats (* per game)

Matches (starts)

Goals

Assists

Shots (on target)*

Big chances missed

Pass completion

Big chances created

Key passes*

Dribbles*

Tackles + interceptions*

Duels won*

Data via Sofascore

Of course, Gordon showcased a deeper level of quality the previous term, when he was crowned Newcastle's Player of the Year after posting 11 goals and 15 assists in the top flight, but Gakpo's progress at Liverpool has been incremental, which bodes well for the upcoming campaign.

Gakpo's prolific ability could also see him combine well with Kerkez, who is expected to sign as Liverpool's new left-back. As per FBref, Gakpo ranked among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for goals scored per 90 (0.47).

Kerkez's energy and enthusiasm may prove perfect for the continuation and progress of Liverpool's £120k-per-week star. The Hungarian, who Bournemouth want £45m for, has been a "revelation" for the south coast side over the past two years, claims pundit Jamie Carragher, and will drive forward and supplement Gakpo's attacking intentions just so.

AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez

Defensive players rarely cost as much as their forward-placed counterparts, but Gakpo's vastly higher value makes a firm comment on the high regard Liverpool hold him in.

If Liverpool do sell Diaz to Al-Nassr or the like this summer, bringing in a player such as Gordon wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

However, Gakpo has gone from strength to strength since Slot took to the dugout, and might just find himself reprising his first-choice role on Liverpool's left wing next term.

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