Liverpool could still complete five signings as Cody Gakpo uncertainty shapes transfer plans

Liverpool’s summer business may be far from complete, with fresh claims suggesting as many as five more arrivals could still be possible before the transfer window closes.

Having already strengthened their squad with the addition of Victor Munoz, attention has quickly shifted towards what comes next. While much will depend on departures, particularly surrounding Cody Gakpo, there is growing belief that Liverpool’s recruitment team could remain one of the busiest in Europe over the coming weeks.

Speaking to the Born ‘N Red podcast, journalist David Lynch outlined why he believes Liverpool’s transfer activity may only just be beginning.

“I think there’s potential for five. I really can see two more attackers coming in if Gakpo is sold. I can see two midfielders if you see a Mac Allister and a Jones sale, that doesn’t seem that crazy to say.

“Maybe one more defender who can fill in, who either sorts the right-back thing by moving Joe Gomez over and plays centre-half, or can play right-back and centre-back. That adds up to six total for the summer. I don’t feel that that’s an outlandish thing to say that I could see that based on everything I know at the moment. Real possibility for that.”

Those comments, first made on Born ‘N Red, offer an intriguing insight into how Liverpool’s transfer strategy could evolve if several high profile exits materialise.

Gakpo future could reshape Liverpool’s transfer plans

The biggest variable appears to be Gakpo.

Liverpool are not actively seeking to sell the Dutch international, but continued speculation surrounding his future means the club will be prepared for every eventuality. Should a significant offer arrive, replacing him would quickly become a priority.

That scenario would likely open the door for another wide forward capable of adding pace, creativity and goals. Liverpool have consistently prioritised versatility in recent recruitment windows, meaning any attacking addition would almost certainly be expected to operate across multiple positions.

Replacing a player of Gakpo’s quality would never be straightforward, but Liverpool’s recruitment department has built a reputation for planning several moves in advance rather than reacting after departures occur.

With the Reds expected to compete on multiple fronts again next season, maintaining depth in forward areas remains essential regardless of who leaves.

Midfield movement depends on departures

Lynch’s prediction of two midfield signings is perhaps the boldest part of his assessment, largely because it relies on outgoing business.

If Liverpool were to lose both Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones, replacing them would become unavoidable. Those are two very different profiles, meaning the club would almost certainly need more than one arrival to maintain balance across the squad.

One signing could be viewed as a long term developmental option, while another would likely arrive with greater experience and immediate readiness for Premier League football.

Liverpool have repeatedly shown a willingness to invest in younger talent alongside established professionals, ensuring succession planning continues without sacrificing competitiveness.

That blend has become increasingly important as clubs attempt to manage both Financial Fair Play regulations and increasingly demanding fixture schedules.

Defensive depth remains priority

Another important area identified by Lynch is defence.

Rather than signing a specialist right-back or an out-and-out centre-half, Liverpool could instead prioritise versatility.

A defender capable of covering several positions would provide greater tactical flexibility while also reducing the need for multiple signings. Modern squads increasingly rely on players who can perform across the back line, particularly during congested periods of the campaign.

Joe Gomez’s versatility already offers one solution, but adding another adaptable defender would provide valuable competition while protecting against injuries.

Liverpool’s recruitment has increasingly favoured players who fit several tactical roles rather than filling only one position, making this approach entirely consistent with recent transfer windows.

Busy summer still looks realistic

Whether Liverpool ultimately complete five signings will depend almost entirely on departures.

Recruitment rarely happens in isolation. Every major sale creates opportunities to reinvest, while retaining key players naturally reduces the urgency for replacements.

What does appear increasingly clear is that Liverpool are prepared for multiple outcomes. Rather than focusing on one transfer at a time, the club continue to plan for several different scenarios simultaneously.

That strategic flexibility has become a hallmark of Liverpool’s transfer approach in recent years and may again prove crucial before the window closes.

If Gakpo remains, Liverpool’s business may naturally slow after reinforcing other priority positions. If significant offers arrive for senior players, however, the prospect of five further signings suddenly becomes far more realistic.

With weeks still remaining in the transfer window, supporters should expect Liverpool’s transfer plans to remain fluid, with incoming and outgoing business closely linked.