Liverpool Have Ruled Out Exit for Forward This Summer

Liverpool are planning for a new era under Andoni Iraola and, despite speculation surrounding Cody Gakpo, there remains a clear belief inside the club that the Netherlands international will continue to play an important role during the 2026/27 campaign.

Following a disappointing season that ultimately led to the departure of Premier League winning head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool’s recruitment and coaching staff are assessing every area of the squad. While several senior players have been linked with moves away, Gakpo does not currently appear to be among those actively being pushed towards the exit.

Liverpool Maintain Confidence in Cody Gakpo

Interest from Tottenham has inevitably generated discussion over Gakpo’s future, but Liverpool’s internal stance remains consistent. The club still values the 27 year old as an experienced Premier League attacker capable of performing across multiple positions.

His difficult 2025/26 season should not erase what came before. During Slot’s title winning campaign, Gakpo delivered 18 goals and seven assists across 49 appearances, establishing himself as one of Liverpool’s most productive attacking players while sharing responsibilities on the left flank with Luis Diaz.

That previous level of performance continues to carry weight within Anfield’s decision making.

As reported by the BBC: “Liverpool still view him as a proven attacker in the Premier League who can function in different ways, and given Hugo Ekitike could be missing until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles, his versatility in being able to play centrally offers options for Iraola.”

That flexibility could become increasingly valuable over a demanding campaign, particularly with Liverpool managing Ekitike’s long term absence.

Iraola Values Attacking Versatility

Early indications suggest Andoni Iraola shares the club’s assessment.

The new Liverpool head coach is understood to appreciate players capable of operating in multiple attacking roles, an attribute that fits naturally with Gakpo’s profile. Whether deployed from the left, through the middle or as part of a fluid front line, the Dutch international offers tactical solutions that many forwards cannot.

For that reason, Liverpool would only be expected to reconsider their position if an exceptional offer arrived.

In the current market, versatility carries significant value, particularly for clubs competing across several competitions. Gakpo’s experience, combined with his ability to adapt to different tactical demands, strengthens Liverpool’s squad depth at a time when Iraola will want maximum flexibility.

World Cup Display Offers Timely Reminder

Recent international performances have reinforced why Liverpool remain confident.

Across 175 minutes at the World Cup, Gakpo registered two goals and one assist, producing the kind of decisive contributions that briefly reminded supporters of the player who excelled during Liverpool’s Premier League triumph.

International football often provides a useful benchmark for players rebuilding confidence, and those performances demonstrated that Gakpo still possesses the quality to influence matches consistently.

Liverpool will hope those displays become the platform for a strong pre season under Iraola.

Competition Could Unlock Best Form

One lesson from last season may be the importance of genuine competition for places.

While Rio Ngumoha continues his exciting development, Liverpool’s attacking options lacked the intensity of competition that previously helped drive Gakpo’s performances. Healthy rivalry often elevates standards, and Liverpool’s recruitment strategy appears focused on recreating that environment.

Victor Munoz has already strengthened the wide attacking options, while continued links with Yan Diomande suggest Liverpool remain keen to add further quality and versatility before the transfer window closes.

Rather than threatening Gakpo’s future, additional competition could help bring the best out of him once again.

For Liverpool and Andoni Iraola, retaining a proven Premier League attacker while increasing competition across the forward line may prove a smarter strategy than allowing Cody Gakpo to depart prematurely.