Liverpool are reportedly weighing up the sale of forward Cody Gakpo this summer, as manager Arne Slot prepares for a substantial squad overhaul following a disappointing 2025-26 Premier League campaign. Despite winning the league title in Slot’s inaugural season (2024-25), the Reds have fallen short of expectations this year, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League with two matches remaining.
Gakpo, 27, who joined Liverpool from PSV in 2023, has endured a challenging season, with his performances drawing widespread criticism. This comes after a more productive 2024-25 campaign where he scored 10 Premier League goals and played a role in securing the league title and the Carabao Cup. However, his form has dipped considerably this term.
Gakpo’s struggles and Slot’s green light
The Dutchman’s struggles have not gone unnoticed, with reports suggesting Slot is open to his departure. According to TEAMtalk, Gakpo has “endured a torrid campaign at Anfield,” with the publication adding, “He’s struck up zero understanding with Milos Kerkez down the left, looks painfully predictable in attack, and at times, has kept the electric Rio Ngumoha out of the eleven.” The sentiment around his potential exit was further cemented by insider Graeme Bailey, who stated via TEAMtalk that “Gakpo too could be moved on.”
Gakpo has amassed 50 goals for Liverpool across all competitions since his arrival, but his overall impact this season has been deemed insufficient as the club failed to mount a meaningful title defence. Liverpool’s remaining fixtures are against Aston Villa and Brentford, with the club pushing to confirm a Champions League place.
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Wider squad changes expected
The potential sale of Gakpo is part of a larger plan for significant changes on the wings this summer. Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to leave Anfield, while Federico Chiesa is said to have genuine opportunities to return to Italy, further indicating a major reshuffle in attacking personnel. Liverpool invested heavily in players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz, but the returns have not met the club’s high standards.
Finding a suitable buyer for Gakpo could be crucial, particularly if Liverpool aims to bring in one fresh winger rather than two. Several names are already being linked as potential replacements:
- Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain
- Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche
- West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen
As Slot looks to reshape his squad, the coming transfer window promises to be a busy period for Liverpool, with Gakpo’s future now firmly in question.
Sources: www.sportbible.com, www.teamtalk.com
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