Just a few weeks ago, Cody Gakpo’s future at Anfield looked uncertain. A difficult 2025/26 season, persistent transfer speculation and a near-move to Manchester City had left many wondering whether Liverpool would finally cash in.
They didn’t. And Gakpo is making sure they never regret it.
In Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich, the Dutchman was outstanding. He created both of Alexander Isak’s first-half goals inside the opening nine minutes, taking his Premier League tally this season to one goal and three assists from three appearances. The link-up with Isak already looks instinctive. The striker himself noted afterwards that Gakpo found him “twice pretty good” in the exact areas he likes to receive the ball.
Virgil van Dijk’s verdict was typically direct: “He’s important for us, he will be important this season as well.” One fan reaction summed up the shift in mood more bluntly: “Thank God we did not sell Gakpo.”
This is starting to look like a genuine redemption story. The version of Gakpo who can drift into the half-spaces, pick progressive passes and still offer a goal threat is the player Liverpool signed for. When he plays with this clarity and confidence, he is extremely difficult to leave out.
Which brings us to Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool’s record £123 million signing made his debut from the bench against Ipswich. The arrival of a high-profile, high-ceiling forward was always going to create competition. Jamie Carragher’s line that Barcola is “going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo” was half-joke, half-observation — and it landed because it feels true right now.
This is not a crisis. It is the best kind of selection headache. Liverpool now have two high-quality left-sided attackers (with the option to use Gakpo on the right or even deeper) plus Isak through the middle. Rotation, tactical flexibility and the ability to change a game from the bench are all improved. But for Barcola personally, the path to regular starts just became steeper. He will have to earn minutes rather than simply inherit them.
Gakpo’s form does not mean Barcola is a mistake. It means the Dutchman has answered the questions that surrounded him in the summer with performances. For Liverpool, that is excellent news. For the man signed to challenge him, it raises the bar immediately.
The battle for the wide attacking positions is already live. And right now, Cody Gakpo is winning it.
