Liverpool have made it clear that weakening their forward line is not part of their summer strategy, despite Tottenham expressing interest in Cody Gakpo.
The Dutch international remains one of the most versatile attackers in Andoni Iraola’s squad, offering cover on the left wing and through the centre.
Liverpool already need another wide forward following Mohamed Salah’s departure, so allowing an established option to join a Premier League rival would create an unnecessary problem.
Their transfer window has focused on finding a new match-winner, with Bradley Barcola among the leading targets, rather than dismantling the attacking depth already available.
Liverpool have firm stance on Cody Gakpo
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have no intention of selling Gakpo even though Tottenham have made their admiration known.
Spurs are searching for another attacker capable of playing across the frontline as Roberto De Zerbi continues his expensive squad rebuild.
Liverpool’s position is understandable. Gakpo brings physical strength, intelligent movement and dependable availability across several attacking roles.
While his performances have sometimes lacked consistency, removing him before signing a replacement would leave Iraola short of experienced options.
Liverpool’s window has therefore reached an important stage: they must add a winger capable of replacing Salah’s output without creating another vacancy by selling Gakpo.
Reds must not strengthen a Premier League rival
Sky Sports reports that Liverpool would not consider a departure until a replacement had arrived, while Gakpo’s long contract means he would not be available cheaply.
The same source says Liverpool are preparing an approach for Barcola, although Paris Saint-Germain’s huge valuation makes that transfer difficult.
Tottenham’s interest could still influence matters if they submit an exceptional offer, particularly as their aggressive spending shows they are willing to invest heavily.
However, selling to Spurs would strengthen a domestic rival while placing even greater pressure on Liverpool’s recruitment team.
Keeping Gakpo is the correct decision. Barcola should arrive to increase competition, not simply replace another attacker.
Sources: Liverpool have a ‘Plan B’ in place if deal for Barcola becomes difficult to complete
If Barcola is coming we should sell Gakpo. McAllister should be sold and replaced by Scott. Elliot, Jones, Chiesa, Endo and Tsimikas should also be sold as none of them are good enough. We should look at bringing in Spence from Tottenham who can play right back or left back. El Mala up front and a good centre back.
I agree with selling Gakpo. He has been a good servant to the club but is lacking that final spark. Limited pace, predictable and inconsistent in front of goal. Use that money towards getting in Barcola and he could also deputise upfront for Etitike, so no need to buy another forward, he could also play on the right to allow more game time for Rio. The sale of Jones would help go towards bringing in either Scott or Wharton in midfield which we really need. I would keep Elliot, Endo and Chiesa as the squad depth is lacking since Slott sold the vast majority of Klopp’s kids. Regarding the defence, Selling Tsimikas and using that money towards getting Spence (who has loads of pace and can really play anywhere along the back line) would be good, and possibly using Gakpo as part of any deal may make it easier. Even though he has a big clause this year I would also consider getting Quansah back, as he can play right back or centre back, but I think he’s coming next summer. I would keep McAllister, he showed in the World Cup he is a good player and just didn’t get to grips with Slott’s mundane style of football, Iriola will get the best out of him as he will with Frimpong (look what he did for Kerkez when at Bournemouth).
good news for us. WE DON’T WANT HIM. we have got better here already with Tel. save our pennies for a goalscoring no. 9 and we are away.
I agree with selling Gakpo. He has been a good servant to the club but is lacking that final spark. Limited pace, predictable and inconsistent in front of goal. Use that money towards getting in Barcola and he could also deputise upfront for Etitike, so no need to buy another forward, he could also play on the right to allow more game time for Rio. The sale of Jones would help go towards bringing in either Scott or Wharton in midfield which we really need. I would keep Elliot, Endo and Chiesa as the squad depth is lacking since Slott sold the vast majority of Klopp’s kids. Regarding the defence, Selling Tsimikas and using that money towards getting Spence (who has loads of pace and can really play anywhere along the back line) would be good, and possibly using Gakpo as part of any deal may make it easier. Even though he has a big clause this year I would also consider getting Quansah back, as he can play right back or centre back, but I think he’s coming next summer. I would keep McAllister, he showed in the World Cup he is a good player and just didn’t get to grips with Slott’s mundane style of football, Iriola will get the best out of him as he will with Frimpong (look what he did for Kerkez when at Bournemouth).