Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola could potentially avoid a €100 million outlay on a new winger following Cody Gakpo’s strong performances at the 2026 World Cup. The Anfield club finished fourth in the Premier League last season and are aiming to reinvest to challenge for the title, with upgrades identified in multiple positions including centre-back, central midfield, left wing, and potentially centre-forward.
Gakpo’s first full season as a regular starter for Liverpool under Arne Slot was considered disappointing, with the Dutchman contributing just 12 goals and assists combined in 32 Premier League matches. This represented a decline in output compared to his previous two campaigns, despite a significant increase in playing time, and a goals and assists per 90 rate of 0.39 – his lowest since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for €42 million.
Liverpool had identified RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande as a potential upgrade on the left wing, but the Ivory Coast international is valued at over €100 million. The club has already secured Victor Munoz from Osasuna for €40 million, but Diomande represents a significantly larger investment.
Gakpo’s recent form for the Netherlands at the World Cup has offered a potential alternative. Playing on the left wing, he has impressed in victories over Japan and Sweden, scoring twice in a 5-1 win against the latter. This is not an isolated incident, as Gakpo previously scored in all three group stage games at the 2022 World Cup and netted three times at Euro 2024, demonstrating a tendency to perform well on major international stages.
Iraola’s arrival at Liverpool presents a potential catalyst for Gakpo’s resurgence. The Basque manager has a proven track record of improving players, with several Bournemouth players featuring prominently on SciSports’ list of most-improved players worth over €5 million in the last six months. James Hill, Marcos Senesi, Adrien Truffert, Alex Scott, and Evanilson all saw significant improvements under Iraola’s guidance at Bournemouth, suggesting he possesses the ability to unlock Gakpo’s potential at Anfield. This could allow Liverpool to redirect funds towards other areas of the squad.
