There is growing uncertainty over Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool future, with talkSPORT’s Alex Crook claiming that the Dutchman could be open to a move to Tottenham.
Crook said:
“The impression I’ve always got from people close to Cody Gakpo is that he quite fancies a change of scenery. He’s open to a move to Tottenham.”
He also suggested that while most Liverpool supporters would prefer Gakpo to stay, Fenway Sports Group’s approach to transfers could make a sale more possible.
And this is where I think Liverpool need to be extremely careful.
Liverpool fans don’t want Gakpo to leave
It’s easy to understand why supporters would be frustrated by the possibility.
Gakpo has already shown that he can be an important player for Liverpool.
He isn’t always spectacular.
He isn’t always guaranteed to start.
But when Liverpool need somebody to make something happen, he has repeatedly shown that he can produce.
We saw exactly that against Newcastle.
While plenty of Liverpool’s attacking players struggled, Gakpo was arguably the Reds’ best player.
He was willing to shoot from distance, linked the attack together and eventually produced a brilliant finish to bring Liverpool level.
That performance was a reminder of what Liverpool could lose.
Gakpo is versatile
One of Gakpo’s biggest strengths is his versatility.
He can play from the left.
He can play through the middle.
He can operate as a No.9 when required.
And with Alexander Isak now leading Liverpool’s attack, having another player capable of covering that position is extremely valuable.
Iraola has already spoken about using Gakpo centrally.
That suggests the manager sees a role for him beyond simply being Liverpool’s left winger.
But FSG will have a decision to make
This is where Crook’s comments about FSG become interesting.
Liverpool have spent enormous amounts of money this summer.
Isak alone cost £125m.
Wirtz and Barcola have also required huge investments.
If Tottenham come forward with a significant offer for Gakpo, Liverpool’s hierarchy will have to decide whether the money is more valuable than keeping the player.
And personally, I’d keep Gakpo.
Selling Gakpo would create another problem
Liverpool are already trying to strengthen their attacking options.
They’ve been linked with another winger and have been looking for additional depth across the forward line.
So selling Gakpo while simultaneously trying to bring in another attacker doesn’t make much sense unless Liverpool are absolutely certain the replacement is better.
Why create another hole?
Gakpo knows the Premier League.
He knows Liverpool.
He has experience at the highest level.
And he has already shown that he can contribute goals.
A new signing could take months to settle.
What if Gakpo really does want to leave?
This is the difficult part.
If Gakpo genuinely wants a new challenge, Liverpool have to listen.
There’s little point keeping an unhappy player.
But the club also shouldn’t assume that one transfer rumour means the player is desperate to leave.
Footballers can be open to a move without actively pushing for one.
And there’s a huge difference between being open to Tottenham and wanting to force his way out of Liverpool.
My verdict
I completely understand why Gakpo might be tempted by a move.
Regular football and a fresh challenge could be attractive.
But from Liverpool’s perspective, I don’t think selling him is the right decision.
His performance against Newcastle was a perfect example of why.
When Liverpool’s attack wasn’t functioning, Gakpo stepped up.
That’s what you need from your squad players.
And with four competitions to compete in, Liverpool are going to need players like him.
If Tottenham make a huge offer, Liverpool will obviously have a decision to make.
But if the money simply gets reinvested into another attacking player, I’m not convinced Liverpool actually improve.
Gakpo may want a change of scenery.
Tottenham may want him.
FSG may be tempted by the money.
But Liverpool supporters know exactly what they have in Cody Gakpo.
And I’d much rather see him staying at Anfield and fighting for his place.
Don’t sell a player you might spend £50m trying to replace.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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