Liverpool's decision to reject a late transfer window bid from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo has cleared the way for a tactical redeployment under manager Andoni Iraola. According to reports by ESPN, Manchester City submitted an offer worth an initial £75 million plus £5 million in add-ons for the 27-year-old forward. Liverpool ultimately retained Gakpo after failing to sign a replacement winger, having missed out on targets including Yankuba Minteh and Ismaïla Sarr. Despite the high-profile arrival of left-winger Bradley Barcola for an initial £106 million, Gakpo remains central to Iraola's plans in a modified role.
How Bradley Barcola's signing reshapes Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future
Barcola’s arrival has intensified competition on the left wing, Gakpo's traditional position. However, rather than marginalising the Netherlands international, the squad structure demands his versatility. Liverpool currently face a depth shortage central and on the right, exacerbated by a long-term Achilles injury to Hugo Ekitike and the need to manage Alexander Isak's intense workload. Alongside emerging prospects Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz, Gakpo provides proven Premier League experience across the frontline.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Iraola confirmed his plans to use Gakpo through the middle. "Cody can play as a number nine this season," Iraola said. "In pre-season we haven’t tried as we don’t have enough wingers and we prioritised what we need from him in his preferred position as a left-winger. But I have been talking to him about his minutes as a nine, he has done it before and in certain situations he could help us."
The transfer market consequences for Liverpool
Retaining Gakpo preserves Liverpool's attacking depth but leaves questions open for future windows. Gakpo signed a new five-year contract in August 2025, keeping him tied to Anfield until 2030, which protects his market value. Should Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur revive their previous interest in January, Gakpo's adaptability as a central option will dictate whether Liverpool entertain mid-season bids or maintain their stance that the forward is indispensable to their domestic and European campaigns.
