Rumours suggesting Cody Gakpo told Liverpool he wants to leave Anfield this summer have met swift denials, but the club has placed an informal price tag on the winger amid growing transfer interest.
A general feeling now circulates that Cody Gakpo could depart Merseyside if a suitor submits the right offer.
The development follows a disappointing campaign for the Dutchman as the club’s first-choice left winger, alongside a managerial shake-up that saw Andoni Iraola replace Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout.
What is the latest?
Dutch outlet SoccerNews claimed on Saturday that the 27-year-old had informed Liverpool of his openness to a move away, with Tottenham, Newcastle, and Bayern Munich all registering their interest. However, high-profile journalists have since dismissed those claims.
Transfer specialist Ben Jacobs both clarified that Gakpo has not directly asked to leave.
Despite the denial,he added that the club has by no means ruled out a sale regarding the forward’s status in the current transfer window.
Writing on X, Ben Jacobs noted that the £70 million deal that took Anthony Gordon to Barcelona at the end of May will directly inform Liverpool’s financial demands for the Dutch winger.
Gakpo signed a long-term contract extension last year, tying him to Anfield until 2030. Even though he recently celebrated his 27th birthday, this extensive deal protects his market value against cut-price bids.
While Liverpool informally value the player around the £70 million mark, the recruitment team will likely show some flexibility during negotiations.
For context, Liverpool sanctioned the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65.6 million last summer. At the time of that deal, the Colombian winger had only two years remaining on his contract and was fast approaching his 29th birthday.
While genuine Premier League bids have yet to materialize, Jacobs revealed that several Italian clubs have placed the No. 18 on their radar. Bayern Munich also maintain an interest after pursuing him last summer.
The German giants want a new left winger after launching a shock, unsuccessful approach for teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha. Because the Reds consider the 17-year-old completely untouchable, Gakpo’s potential availability could turn Bayern’s attention back to the senior Dutchman.
Why the forward suffered Anfield backlash
Gakpo has frequently drawn criticism from the Anfield crowd, with many supporters viewing him as emblematic of the tactical struggles under former boss Arne Slot.
The previous head coach implemented a slower, more methodical style of play throughout the 2025/26 campaign. This tactical shift alienated sections of the fanbase, moving the team too far away from the high-intensity brand of football that made Jurgen Klopp a beloved figure on Merseyside.
While the disastrous end to the previous Premier League season stung, many Reds supporters now look optimistically toward a fresh era under Iraola. The club must significantly strengthen the 43-year-old’s squad to challenge Arsenal for the title, which means moving on certain underperforming stars to balance the books.
With Federico Chiesa almost certainly leaving the club this summer, Iraola faces a potential shortage of attacking depth. Without any incoming signings, Liverpool’s forward line would consist solely of Gakpo, Ngumoha, and Alexander Isak.
Isak has consistently picked up disruptive injury issues throughout his career. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he recovers from a serious Achilles injury. Though Ekitike will return at some point next season, he will need significant time before he can contribute at the highest level.
Furthermore, while Liverpool must construct a clear pathway for academy starlet Rio Ngumoha to claim the starting left-wing berth, the medical staff must avoid overplaying him. Pushing the teenager too hard could cause him to pick up muscular injuries.
While Gakpo may not top the popularity polls among the Anfield faithful, keeping him as a reliable rotation option could prove vital to protecting Ngumoha’s long-term development.
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict
Gakpo has never truly locked down a definitive role at Liverpool. He often looked lost in Arne Slot’s pedestrian system, and if a European giant like Bayern Munich or an ambitious Serie A club offers anywhere near £70 million, Liverpool should absolutely take the money to fund Andoni Iraola’s tactical rebuild.
However, a sale creates a massive depth issue on the left flank. Counting on a 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha to carry the creative burden for an entire Premier League campaign is dangerous territory. With Alexander Isak’s injury record and Hugo Ekitike recovering from an Achilles tear, the club cannot simply clear out the frontline.
If Richard Hughes sells Gakpo for a premium, he must immediately reinvest those funds into a robust, dynamic wide forward who fits Iraola’s high-pressing, vertical style.
