'I think': James Pearce predicts if Cody Gakpo will still be a Liverpool player next season after Bayern links
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Cody Gakpo is unlikely to be going anywhere this summer despite a ‘really poor season’ for Liverpool, says journalist James Pearce.Gakpo has become a symbol of Liverpool‘s failures under Arne Slot this term, with fans turning against the pair of Dutchmen.Though his struggles have been plain to see, Pearce has claimed that, despite rumours of interest from Bayern Munich, Gakpo is more than likely to get another chance with the Reds. Is a fifth-place finish enough to warrant Arne Slot remaining Liverpool manager?
Credit: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Getty Images Gakpo likely to stick around for another seasonAfter Hugo Ekitike was confirmed to have suffered an Achilles rupture on Thursday, Liverpool are badly in need of more attackers.Nevertheless, even against that backdrop, many supporters would be onboard with the idea of Gakpo being sold after three-and-a-half years with the Reds.Speaking on the Walk On Podcast, though, Pearce claimed that the 26-year-old is likely to be given the opportunity to put this season’s form behind him.“I think Gakpo will stay on the basis that he’s had a really poor season, he’s gone from 18 goals to eight and he’s on a really barren run, but I think they would back him to come again,” said the journalist.Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Alex Iwobi admits Rio Ngumoha gave one Fulham player an absolute nightmare against LiverpoolBayern rumours seemingly leading nowhereAs recently as February there have been claims that Bayern could look towards Gakpo as they aim to add greater strength in depth to their attack.Their current trio of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz is arguably the best in world football, but suggestions have been floating around that Gakpo could go to offer competition for Diaz, just as he did at Anfield.But Pearce’s claims seem fairly solid, and with so much to do elsewhere in their attack, and other areas of the squad, selling and then having to replace Gakpo feels like an unnecessary addition to that.The No. 18 has been well off form this season, and he will know that himself, but as he prepares to make an impact for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup, Gakpo does deserve the chance to make amends next year.
As things stand, he’s likely to get it. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox