Cody Gakpo transfer would be a major risk - Liverpool need proven players
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Cody Gakpo has been linked with a surprise move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Roberto De Zerbi promises to keep spending to overhaul last season's 17th place sideWatching Liverpool at Anfield last season, you'd be forgiven for thinking many supporters might be more than happy to see the back of Cody Gakpo this summer.The 27-year-old made 52 appearances in Arne Slot's final season at the helm as the Reds' first-choice left winger, but suffered his worst campaign in front of goal, failing to crack double figures in all competitions for the first time in a full season at the clubGakpo, along with Mohamed Salah on the opposite wing, was criticised heavily by pundits and supporters alike. The other is Manchester City's Savinho.Liverpool aren't actively looking to sell the Dutch international, but as they pursue attacking targets of their own - namely PSG pair Bradley Barcola, the Reds' prime target, and Ibrahim Mbaye - there's a sense in North London that a respectable offer could alter Liverpool's stance.As things stand, the general reaction from your nearest Liverpool fan on the street to the idea of Gakpo leaving is likely to be one of concern.
Gakpo wasn't the only Liverpool player who struggled to really step up to the plate last season after all and only Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike scored more than him last term - with only one of those available to Andoni Iraola in the foreseeable future.An often-overlooked statistic, though it may be more of an indictment of Liverpool's other options at present, is that Gakpo is the highest-scoring Liverpool player in the current squad available to Andoni Iraola. Additionally, Gakpo's status as Liverpool's highest-active goalscorer demands respect he perhaps hasn't always been afforded.Gakpo prefers playing from the left side, cutting in on his right foot to shoot and attacking crosses - something he should do with more conviction - at the far post, but is also capable of filling in as a No.
As such, to part with Gakpo would certainly be a major risk.But should Liverpool land Barcola and Spurs offer a figure that the Reds hierarchy believe is good business, Gakpo could well depart before the transfer window closes.At 27, Gakpo won't want to be playing a bit-part role on Merseyside and should be prioritising starting games week-in, week-out. Gakpo, at his worst, is still more than good enough to be viewed as a reliable squad player for a club with Liverpool's ambitions, and at his best he is capable starting in a team chasing silverware - 2024-25 proved that.To let him go this summer, rather than allowing him to consider his options next year, would leave Virgil van Dijk - a centre-back - as the Reds' highest-scoring current player.To allow this to happen in a summer where Liverpool are already facing a myriad of uncertainties would be a dangerous gamble indeed.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 away kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.