Reports emerging from the Netherlands have claimed that Cody Gakpo has submitted a transfer request after allegedly deciding he cannot see a future for himself at Liverpool following the departure of Arne Slot.
According to Soccernews, the Dutch international is considering his options and may be looking for a move away from Anfield.
While the report remains unconfirmed, it raises an important question for Liverpool supporters:
Should the club listen to offers for Gakpo if they arrive?
Slot’s Departure Could Have Changed Everything
It is no secret that Gakpo enjoyed a strong relationship with Arne Slot.
The pair shared a Dutch connection and Slot was viewed as someone who understood exactly how to get the best out of the forward.
If the reports are accurate, Slot’s departure may have left Gakpo questioning where he fits into Liverpool’s plans moving forward.
That would not be entirely surprising.
Players often join clubs because of managers, tactical systems or long-term projects.
When those elements change, so can their outlook.
A Frustrating Liverpool Career
Gakpo’s Liverpool career has often divided opinion.
There have been periods where he has looked like a top-class forward capable of deciding matches.
There have also been long spells where supporters have been left wanting more.
Part of the problem has been consistency.
Part of it has been uncertainty over his best position.
At times he has been used as a winger.
At times as a striker.
At times in deeper attacking roles.
The result is that Liverpool supporters still feel they have not seen the very best version of Cody Gakpo.
Should Liverpool Cash In?
If a significant offer arrived, Liverpool would face a difficult decision.
Gakpo remains a talented player with plenty of years ahead of him.
However, if he genuinely wants to leave, Liverpool may have to consider whether retaining an unhappy player serves anyone’s interests.
The club is already entering a period of transition.
The last thing any new manager needs is uncertainty surrounding key members of the squad.
The Financial Argument
There is also a financial side to the discussion.
Liverpool have several areas of the squad that require investment.
If Gakpo’s departure generated a substantial transfer fee, the money could potentially be reinvested elsewhere.
Supporters have already debated whether players such as Gakpo and others should be sacrificed to fund improvements in defence, midfield and attack.
The club’s hierarchy will undoubtedly be considering those possibilities.
Or Does Iraola Revive Him?
The alternative argument is equally compelling.
A new manager can often transform a player’s fortunes.
Andoni Iraola’s arrival could provide Gakpo with a fresh start and a new opportunity to establish himself as a key figure.
Many supporters would argue it would be foolish to sell a talented 27-year-old attacker before giving the new coaching staff an opportunity to work with him.
A Situation Worth Watching
At the moment, Liverpool supporters should treat the report with caution.
But if there is substance to the story, it could become one of the biggest talking points of the summer.
Gakpo remains a talented player.
Liverpool remain a club in transition.
And if an offer arrives, both sides may soon have a major decision to make.
The question now is whether Liverpool see Cody Gakpo as part of the future — or as a player whose departure could help fund it.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The incoming manager should be the one to decide stay or leave as he is the one to know if a man fits.
He is so predictable. I remember people criticising Diaz for not scoring enough. They don’t understand the game. Diaz was so instrumental in the way we play. He started everything. Gakpo adds nothing unless he scores.