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Earlier this week, we brought you reports from German outlet Kicker that Bayern Munich and Cody Gakpo’s representatives held preliminary talks.

The Dutch winger is appreciated by the Bavarian giants as they seek a long-term solution for the left-wing position.

The forward contributed 10 goals and 4 assists in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title-winning campaign, operating effectively in his favoured inverted-role on the left flank.

Liverpool are keen to keep hold of Gakpo, but the reality is that every player has a valuation.

The Dutch international’s transfer to Anfield in 2023 reportedly cost the club around £37 million, with the fee potentially increasing to £44 million through add-ons.

After investing two seasons in his development, Liverpool would understandably seek a significant profit should they decide to part ways with him.

But the chances of that happening, or at least landing up in Munich, have slimmed down.

Christian Falk of BILD, writing on his own official website, has claimed that the German champions are aware that Gakpo wants to likely stay at Liverpool and sign a new deal.

Furthermore, it’s suggested that the Bavarian giants are worried they are being used as leverage in possible contract talks between the Dutchman and Liverpol:

“We’ve heard that Cody Gakpo could imagine signing a new contract at Liverpool,” the Bundesliga insider wrote.

“So, Bayern Munich aren’t quite sure yet whether they’re just being used as a pawn in the poker.”

“In the past, when Uli Hoeneß was involved in transfers, Bayern have always had a Plan A when it came to transfers, but never a Plan B.”

“Now, Max Eberl is working differently, and there are many players on the list.

Gakpo is one of them but you can’t say that he’s at the top of the list.”

He added that the higher-ups at the Allianz Arena may now be looking for other targets as a result:

“Bayern realise that it’s not an easy feat to bring a player from Liverpool to Munich?

This is why they’re checking out the alternatives available to them on the market.”

Cody Gakpo’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire on June 30, 2028, meaning he still has plenty of time left on his deal.

Liverpool are under no pressure to sell.

And it looks like Bayern Munich are aware they will have to pay a premium for the 26-year-old’s services.

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