Liverpool would have made a “crazy” decision by selling Cody Gakpo this summer, according to club journalist James Pearce, with the Netherlands international already making a strong impact under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Gakpo was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City before the transfer window closed, and reports indicated that Liverpool were prepared to sanction his departure if they could secure a suitable replacement.
However, Sky Sports reported that Liverpool rejected an offer worth £80 million for the forward because of concerns over replacing him. Attempts to sign Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr ultimately failed to produce an agreement.
Pearce believes Liverpool were right to keep Gakpo, particularly after his decisive contribution to Friday’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town. The 27-year-old created both goals for Alexander Isak as Iraola’s side claimed their first win of the Premier League season.
Cody Gakpo flourishing under Andoni Iraola
Writing on X, Pearce said: “It would have been crazy if Liverpool had sold Gakpo in order to sign either Minteh or Sarr. Gakpo has looked refreshed and energised since the appointment of Iraola. Had a bad season but was massively influential in title triumph of 24/25. Great to see him flourishing again.”
Gakpo now has one goal and three assists from Liverpool’s opening three league matches, underlining his importance to an attack that has undergone significant change during the summer.
Iraola has also welcomed the decision to retain the forward. Speaking before the Ipswich match, the Liverpool manager said he was “very happy to pick” Gakpo and praised the player’s physical and mental condition after a period of uncertainty over his future.
Gakpo’s versatility has strengthened his position in the squad. He can operate from the left, play through the middle and provide cover for Isak while Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery, despite Liverpool’s arrival of new attacking options including Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz.
The forward endured a difficult campaign last season, but his return to form has quickly changed the mood around a transfer saga that briefly threatened to take him away from Anfield. Liverpool’s decision to block the Manchester City move now looks increasingly important, with Gakpo again emerging as one of the club’s most productive attacking players.
