Cody Gakpo has reportedly requested a transfer away from Liverpool this summer, fueled by concerns that his playing time will diminish following the departure of manager Arne Slot. Several sources indicate the club will not stand in his way.
The Dutch winger joined Liverpool in January 2023 from PSV Eindhoven for an initial €40 million, a fee that ultimately rose to €50 million. In 180 appearances for the club, Gakpo has contributed 50 goals and 23 assists, averaging a goal or assist every 2.46 games.
However, the 2025/26 season proved challenging for Gakpo, as he experienced extended periods of inconsistent form, mirroring the struggles of many of his teammates during a campaign where Liverpool finished fifth and without silverware. This downturn in performance contributed to the subsequent dismissal of Slot.
Liverpool are now poised to appoint Andoni Iraola as their new manager, and it is this change in leadership that has prompted Gakpo’s desire to leave. According to reports from Dutch publication Soccernews, Gakpo believes he will not fit into Iraola’s tactical system and has formally submitted a transfer request.
Atletico Madrid have emerged as potential suitors, with the Spanish club reportedly ‘open to a collaboration’ with the Netherlands international. Previous interest from Bayern Munich appears to have cooled. Despite the departure of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are prepared to allow Gakpo to leave, with plans to give more opportunities to teenage winger Rio Ngumoha and potentially add another winger under Iraola.
Transfer journalists Fabrizio Romano and Pete O’Rourke also anticipate Gakpo’s departure. Romano stated in March that Liverpool “need to add something fresh” in the winger position, while O’Rourke suggested that the arrival of another left-sided attacker could facilitate Gakpo’s move.
Liverpool are seeking a minimum fee of €45 million (£39 million) for the 27-year-old. The club is actively pursuing Yan Diomande as a potential replacement for Salah, and Eli Junior Kroupi is also a target, with a potential transfer fee between £80 million and £100 million.
The sale of Gakpo would allow Liverpool to reshape their attacking options under Iraola, providing opportunities for emerging talents and potentially bringing in new signings to bolster the squad.
