Cody Gakpo is ready to give everything for Liverpool – at least until January.
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo is committed to giving everything for the Reds – at least until January. It comes after it was revealed that Fenway Sports Group held talks with the player to smooth over the decision to withdraw from his £80m move to Manchester City this week.
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The Dutchman was initially given the green light to leave Anfield this summer, and the player attracted interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. Gakpo eventually opted for the Etihad Stadium.
But FSG got a late change of heart and pulled out of the deal – a move that also ruined Liverpool’s chances of signing a new winger in addition to Bradley Barcola.
Must focus on Liverpool
For Gakpo, who has started the season well and impressed Andoni Iraola with his efforts in pre-season, it is now a matter of adjusting his focus back to Liverpool and ensuring that he continues to work his way back to his best after a disappointing season.
To make sure his head is in the right place, Dutch Rik Elfrink has revealed that Gakpo has had a meeting with the club – “partly to clear the air”.
Elfrink, who writes for Dagblad, says that the 27-year-old spoke to the club on Monday to explain their stance – with a clear message that he “must quickly get over the disappointment of a missed transfer”.
It is understood that Gakpo’s response was positive. He understood things from the club’s point of view, and will continue to give everything for Liverpool – where he is under contract until June 30, 2030.
Gakpo was part of the Liverpool squad that trained in the gymnasium at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, and is said to have been in good spirits. He is now expected to be taken out of Iraola for Friday’s away game against Ipswich at Portman Road.
Two reasons why Liverpool kept Gakpo
For Gakpo, the quick return to action will be an immediate opportunity to forget about the breakdown after his transfer to City.
But Iraola is left with a somewhat unbalanced squad. New signing Barcola – for whom Liverpool eventually paid £123 million – also prefers to play on the left. In addition, Iraola could choose Victor Munoz or Rio Ngumoha to start there.
Since Liverpool have not signed a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, someone will probably have to play out of position – at least until January.
However, Gakpo has shown his flexibility, and could be the man who is asked to play on the right after the signing of Barcola – who is sure to be a regular in the team when he gets fit.
The fact that Gakpo can also play centrally is a big plus. Liverpool will be without Hugo Ekitike until around the New Year after his Achilles injury, and the Dutchman is seen as ideal cover and competition for Alexander Isak.
Could be sold in January
Liverpool could still consider selling Gakpo in January – if they get the green light to sign Minteh or an alternative, and if Ekitike’s recovery has gone according to plan.
But for now, he will stay at Anfield – and Jamie Carragher will be in charge of the summer business.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Carragher said:
“I think it’s been okay. The main point was to improve the wingers, and they brought in two wingers.
“The real star is Barcola. You talk about replacing Mo Salah, but it’s on the opposite flank. Liverpool don’t have a real right-side striker. We don’t have anyone with a left foot on the right – like Mo Salah.
“I’m disappointed. I’m not quite sure what we’re going to do on the right side right now. It doesn’t look like a balanced team. Liverpool lacks the full-backs and is probably a midfielder as well.
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