Cody Gakpo came shockingly close to leaving Liverpool during the summer transfer window, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City expressing serious interest in signing the Netherlands international.
However, despite initially being open to his departure as part of a post-Mohamed Salah tactical reshuffle, the Reds eventually changed their stance and decided to keep the 27-year-old forward firmly at Anfield.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s vital Champions League clash against Fenerbahçe, Gakpo addressed the summer transfer frenzy and answered directly when asked if he felt he had a point to prove after nearly departing Merseyside:
“Not really, my mindset is the same. Try to perform. But it was quite a hectic summer regarding a lot of topics. I just try to enjoy football and enjoy life. It wasn’t much of a discussion was it? The decision was made and that’s it.”
His cool, composed reaction belies just how close Liverpool came to green-lighting one of the summer’s most dramatic internal transfers.
The £80m City Offer and the Replacement Stumbling Block
Tottenham Hotspur were among the first clubs to explore a move for Gakpo, with Sky Sports reporting their interest in August as Roberto De Zerbi looked to strengthen his attacking options in North London.
Manchester City subsequently entered the race, opening formal talks with Liverpool on August 29. The Dutch international reportedly favoured a move to the Etihad Stadium if he were to leave Merseyside.
On August 31, City put forward a massive proposal worth a reported £80 million ($106 million). David Ornstein reported that the rejected package consisted of £75 million upfront with a further £5 million in add-ons.
Yet, Liverpool rejected the bid at the 11th hour. The Reds were deeply concerned about their ability to secure an adequate replacement before the transfer deadline passed, having faced significant difficulties in their pursuits of Yankuba Minteh and Ismaïla Sarr.
Carving Out a Role Under Iraola
Gakpo seemed set to become the fall guy at Liverpool when the club was originally willing to sell as they set about recruiting for a new era following Mohamed Salah’s departure. But having stayed, he has made himself indispensable to Andoni Iraola’s plans.
One thing that has been painfully clear in the early weeks of the new season is that Iraola is being forced to figure out on the job what his best forward line is:
The status of Alexander Isak as the starting No. 9 is not in question. The Swede has six Premier League goals this season already better than his total from the entirety of 2025–26. With Hugo Ekitiké still recovering from a long-term Achilles injury, Isak’s grip on the role is complete.
Gakpo’s traditional home on the left flank now belongs to Bradley Barcola, bought for a near club-record fee from Paris Saint-Germain.
That left the right-wing slot open. Gakpo already had a goal and an assist from his first two Premier League appearances of the season by the time deadline day arrived. He stayed and has added another goal and three more assists across all competitions since.
Gakpo has proven to be the best fit and most influential presence on the right flank so far. His intelligent movement and end-product could be enough to earn him an extended run of starts on the side of the pitch that was locked down by Salah for nine unforgettable years.
His international form has mirrored his club impact.
As Liverpool touch down in Turkey for Wednesday’s clash at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, the need for Gakpo’s attacking authority and versatility feels sharper than ever.
Iraola’s side are aiming to preserve a perfect record in the UEFA Champions League league phase after winning their opening three ties.
With squad rotation vital amidst an intense schedule of eight fixtures in 24 days, Gakpo’s ability to stretch play on the right wing or drift centrally gives Iraola a major tactical relief option in one of Europe’s most hostile cauldrons.
Heading into Wednesday’s European tie in Istanbul, Liverpool need that quiet authority. With Iraola still assembling the puzzle pieces of a post-Salah front line and managing injuries across the pitch, having a flexible, proven forward who can deliver goals and assists from either flank is absolute gold dust.
Deadline day might have been chaotic, but keeping Cody Gakpo at Anfield is already looking like one of the smartest non-transfers Liverpool have made in years.
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