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Liverpool have opened the door to the departure of Cody Gakpo, with the club now prepared to listen to serious offers for the Netherlands international following the appointment of new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The 27-year-old forward, who joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven for a total outlay of £45 million in January 2023, has seen his future at Anfield cast into doubt amid a significant squad reshuffle on the wings.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that Liverpool are actively weighing up Gakpo’s situation, particularly as they look to strengthen their attacking options following Mohamed Salah’s exit.
“We have to see what’s going to happen around Cody Gakpo in case Liverpool receive an important proposal,” Romano stated. “Liverpool want to go and strengthen the winger’s position. Let’s see if some club arrives with a proposal for Cody Gakpo because there is interest in him.”
Romano added that the final decision will rest with the club and the new coach, noting: “There’s going to be a club decision, with the coach as well, Andoni Iraola.”
The timing is notable. Gakpo’s potential exit comes shortly after Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), made the surprise decision to part ways with Arne Slot despite the Dutchman guiding the team to a top-five Premier League finish and Champions League qualification in the 2025/26 season. Andoni Iraola, formerly of Bournemouth, has since taken the reins at Anfield.
Gakpo’s desire to leave
The player himself appears open to a fresh challenge. According to reports, Gakpo “wishes to leave” Liverpool, a stance that has gained traction following Slot’s dismissal.
In an interview with ESPN, Gakpo expressed his disappointment at the managerial change: “A shame that the manager has been sacked. Especially so soon after the season where we had fought to qualify for the Champions League.”
He added that the news caught the squad off guard: “I don’t think anyone, any of the players saw it coming… We have to put it to the side,” while confirming he had personally thanked Slot for his time at the club.
Earlier indications of Liverpool’s openness to a sale emerged in March, when TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reported that while the club were not actively pushing Gakpo out, they would consider bids. Potential suitors mentioned at the time included Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United. Dutch media have since reaffirmed Tottenham’s ongoing interest.
Squad overhaul under Iraola
Liverpool are clearly in a period of transition. Romano highlighted the club’s busy agenda regarding wingers, mentioning interest in players like Yan Diomande amid competition from Paris Saint-Germain, while confirming that a decision has already been made on young talent Ngumoha.
The arrival of Iraola signals a new era, and the manager will have a key say in whether Gakpo remains part of his plans or if the club cashes in on the versatile attacker to fund incoming transfers.
With an “important proposal” reportedly now on the table, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Gakpo’s future. Liverpool have a track record of making tough squad calls at the right time, and the combination of Iraola’s appointment and the club’s ambitions on the wing suggest that movement is highly likely.
Whether Gakpo stays to fight for his place or departs for a new challenge elsewhere, one thing is clear: Liverpool’s summer transfer window is already heating up.
