Liverpool’s £35 million capture of Spanish winger Victor Munoz has flipped Cody Gakpo’s Anfield future from secure to uncertain in a single transfer window. The Dutch international, signed from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, now faces direct competition on the left flank, a zone Munoz has staked his claim in under new boss Andoni Iraola. Gakpo’s own words—previously naming Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, and Manchester City as clubs he would consider—suddenly read like a roadmap for his next move.
The ripple began when Liverpool triggered Munoz’s release clause, immediately raising questions over Gakpo’s role. With Rio Ngumoha emerging from the academy ranks and Hugo Ekitike sidelined by injury, Iraola has options. The 27-year-old Gakpo still has five years left on his contract, giving Liverpool leverage to command a premium fee should they opt to sell.
Transfer-window math points to a potential domino: cash from a Gakpo sale could bankroll further arrivals, including a reported mega bid for Monaco defender Yan Diomande. Gakpo’s public wish list isn’t just idle chatter. The five-club list—Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool—was aired in 2022, long before Munoz’s arrival.
Now, with his minutes under threat and Liverpool’s hierarchy open to offloading high-value assets, the scenario has flipped from hypothetical to plausible. Pundits note that elite clubs rarely ignore top-tier talent in their prime, and a fee in the £60–80 million range could tempt Liverpool to cash in. The power shift at Liverpool extends beyond personnel.
Iraola’s appointment in June 2024 marked a clear break from Jürgen Klopp’s tenure, bringing a more fluid 4-3-3 that demands technical versatility from wide players. Gakpo’s left-footed profile, once a luxury, now risks redundancy if Munoz’s direct running and pressing intensity become the new standard. Scouts watching the Premier League’s tactical evolution see this as a microcosm of clubs balancing identity with financial imperatives.
Financially, Gakpo’s exit would align with Liverpool’s post-Klopp restructuring. The club’s FFP constraints and Champions League revenue shortfall mean every penny counts. A sale now would free up wages while keeping the door open for a younger, higher-upside profile like Diomande—whose reported £50m valuation would fit neatly into a Gakpo-funded budget.
The next 10 days will reveal whether Iraola’s project prioritizes squad harmony or financial pragmatism. Liverpool’s hierarchy has yet to comment on individual futures, but the broader transfer strategy is clear: sell to strengthen. Munoz’s integration will be monitored, while Gakpo’s representatives have not indicated a desire to leave—yet.
The tactical shift under Iraola is part of a wider Premier League trend where managers demand multifunctional wide players who can press, dribble, and cross from either flank. Clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have already moved in this direction, signaling a league-wide tactical evolution. The Premier League’s wage structure also complicates Gakpo’s situation.
With top clubs increasingly prioritizing younger, cheaper talent to meet FFP rules, established stars in their late 20s face higher scrutiny. Gakpo’s £160,000-a-week deal—once a bargain—now looks heavy in a squad where Iraola is building a pressing machine. If Liverpool can recoup £60m-plus for him, the club could reallocate those wages to two emerging talents, effectively doubling their output for the same cost.
What’s next: A decision on Gakpo’s future could arrive within the next two transfer windows. If Liverpool table a concrete bid for Diomande, expect Gakpo to be the named seller to balance the books. Alternatively, Iraola may redefine Gakpo’s role, shifting him centrally or to the right flank to preserve his value and Liverpool’s ambition. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
Cody Gakpo’s status at Liverpool is suddenly uncertain after Victor Munoz’s arrival. With Gakpo having publicly listed four other elite clubs as potential destinations, this story ties a specific transfer domino to a broader reshuffling at Anfield under new manager Andoni Iraola. Fans and pundits will watch closely to see if this leads to a high-profile departure or a redefined role for the Dutchman. The tactical shift under Iraola and Liverpool’s financial constraints make this more than a personnel issue—it’s a test of how far the club will go to balance ambition and sustainability.
Frequently asked
Why is Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool future in doubt?
Victor Munoz’s £35m move to Liverpool has crowded the left flank, reducing Gakpo’s minutes and sparking exit talk despite his contract running to 2030.
Which clubs did Cody Gakpo previously name as preferred destinations?
Gakpo listed Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, and Manchester City as clubs he would consider joining.
How much did Liverpool pay for Victor Munoz?
Liverpool signed Victor Munoz for £35 million from his previous club, with the deal agreed during the current transfer window.
What is Andoni Iraola’s role in this situation?
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola may choose to keep Gakpo, but the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Hugo Ekitike’s injury add pressure on the Dutchman’s role.
Could Liverpool sell Cody Gakpo to fund other transfers?
Yes. Liverpool may look to sell Gakpo to generate funds for further moves, including a reported mega bid for Yan Diomande.
