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Liverpool Plans Point Towards Gakpo Stay
There was a moment at Old Trafford on Sunday that served as a reminder of what Cody Gakpo still offers Liverpool. His goal against Manchester United was not merely another statistic in a turbulent season. It was his 50th strike for the club, a landmark that underlined his importance even amid growing questions about Liverpool’s attacking future.
In a campaign shaped by inconsistency, injuries and uncertainty around recruitment, Gakpo has remained part of the core thinking at Anfield. According to original source reporting from Dominic King of The Telegraph, Liverpool have no intention of allowing the Netherlands international to leave during the summer transfer window.
That stance comes despite significant changes expected in Arne Slot’s forward line. Liverpool are preparing for a major rebuild in attack after a season in which fluency and pace deserted them for long stretches. Gakpo’s output has dipped compared to last year’s title-winning run, yet the club still regard him as indispensable because of his versatility across the frontline.
King explained Liverpool’s position clearly when he wrote: “There are questions to answer and it is probably asking too much for Alexander Isak to be available for 60 games straight. Cody Gakpo would not be allowed to go anywhere, given he can play across the forward line, but who else can provide goals?”
That line captures Liverpool’s dilemma. Gakpo may not have exploded statistically this season, but in a squad suddenly lacking reliable attacking depth, his value has increased rather than diminished.
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Transfer Market Signals Growing Concern
Liverpool’s recruitment activity tells its own story. The club are actively searching for attacking reinforcements, particularly on the left side. Links with players such as Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande, Said El Mala and Abde Ezzalzouli have intensified in recent weeks.
Liverpool have already held talks with Diomande’s representatives, an indication that Slot and the recruitment team are preparing for a reshaping of the attack rather than cosmetic additions.
Injuries have accelerated those plans. Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles tendon rupture is expected to sideline him for the remainder of 2026, while Mohamed Salah is anticipated to leave at the end of the season. Those developments have left Liverpool dangerously short in attacking areas and placed greater responsibility on Gakpo.
Even with nine goals this season, the Dutchman’s contribution cannot be measured purely through numbers. His movement between positions, ability to link play and intelligence in crowded spaces remain qualities Slot values highly.
There is also the simple reality that proven attackers are increasingly difficult to replace. Liverpool know the transfer market is inflated, especially for forwards capable of delivering consistently at elite level.
Dominic King Reveals Wider Liverpool Transfer Picture
Dominic King’s reporting also shed light on Liverpool’s broader transfer strategy and the players likely to depart. Federico Chiesa appears destined to move on after injuries disrupted his season and prevented him from establishing rhythm at Anfield.
King wrote: “Federico Chiesa is certain to be sold in the summer and that would leave Liverpool vulnerable. It explains why Bradley Barcola’s name has emerged again, after Liverpool were linked with the Paris St-Germain forward 12 months ago.”
He added: “The club were at pains to distance themselves from a move for him then, as they made it clear Rio Ngumoha’s development could not be checked and they were pursuing other targets. The landscape has now changed, however – and they have some serious work to do.”
Those comments reveal how dramatically Liverpool’s priorities have shifted within a year. Circumstances have forced the club into reassessing their attacking options and the transfer market will now play a central role in shaping Slot’s second full season.
Gakpo’s role in that transition appears secure.
Gakpo Milestone Highlights Liverpool Importance
Scoring 50 goals for Liverpool is no small feat. Gakpo became only the 58th player in the club’s history to reach that milestone, achieving it in 177 appearances since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
His tally includes 32 Premier League goals, nine in the Carabao Cup, five in the Champions League and four in the Europa League. Significantly, he is only the second Dutch player to score 50 times for Liverpool after Dirk Kuyt.
Interest from Bayern Munich has lingered since last summer, particularly after Luis Diaz departed for Bavaria in a deal worth around €75 million. Yet Liverpool’s internal stance appears firm.
This is not the profile of a player the club are preparing to cash in on. Quite the opposite. Liverpool’s transfer plans suggest Gakpo is viewed as part of the solution during a period of transition.
For Slot, stability in attack may prove just as important as fresh signings. In that context, keeping Gakpo at Anfield is rapidly becoming one of Liverpool’s clearest priorities heading into the summer window.
