Why Liverpool could need Cody Gakpo to leave the club during summer transfer window

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool’s forward line is expected to undergo some major changes during the 2026 summer transfer window.We already know that Mohamed Salah is leaving on a free transfer, even though he is under contract until 2027.Federico Chiesa is open to an exit as well amid very limited game time under Arne Slot in 2025/26. But it has now emerged that Cody Gakpo could be moved on to free up funds for another winger signing.

You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it? Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones Liverpool could sell Cody Gakpo to fund winger signingGakpo isn’t the most popular player among the Liverpool fanbase right now, but he is one of the few natural wide options still at the club.The Dutchman has played the majority of games this season, and his exit would see Rio Ngumoha left as the only natural winger should Chiesa also move on.However, while the Reds are already short of depth out wide anyway, the sale of Gakpo may be needed to free up funds.TeamTalk reported that Liverpool want to sign two wingers this summer, with Yan Diomande the main target.However, they say that ‘whether a second new face arrives could hinge on finding a buyer for Gakpo’.Interestingly, they also say that ‘if Liverpool get their way, he and his colossal wages will be removed from the books’.Should Gakpo indeed move on, there are a couple of options being mooted right now.

If Xabi Alonso goes to Chelsea, who should be Liverpool’s next manager? Credit: Haitham AL-SHUKAIRI/AFP/Getty Images Which wingers could Liverpool sign to replace Cody GakpoInterest in PSG forward Bradley Barcola has been well-documented at this point.Barcola, crucially, is able to play on both flanks, so his addition in 2026 would make a lot of sense.But French outlet L’Equipe are also reporting that AS Monaco standout Maghnes Akliouche is on the Reds’ radar.Akliouche has seven goals and 11 assists to his name this season, primarily playing off the right but also as a 10 and second striker.It is thought that the 24-year-old could be on the move in the 2026 summer transfer window for a fee of around €50m.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox