BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
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Had the summer transfer window gone a slightly different way, Cody Gakpo would have joined Manchester City. In the player’s own words, City’s interest was genuine. A deal between the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool was discussed only for a change of heart to be made as the deadline neared.
“I don’t know if you want to go into detail about that, but there’s no point in talking about it,” said Gakpo when asked about the collapsed move to City. “It was a difficult summer for me, my family and everything to do with football and life. So yeah, I just let it happen, and it ended the way it ended.”
Liverpool’s Dutch striker #18 Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north west England on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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Liverpool must be somewhat relieved it didn’t allow Gakpo to leave considering how the Dutch forward has started the season. Indeed, Gakpo has registered six goal contributions in just six appearances in all competitions, becoming the most reliable performer in Andoni Iraola’s new-look forward line.
At a time when Alexander Isak is still finding his feet as a Liverpool player and Hugo Ekitike is still recovering from a serious injury, the Reds have required Gakpo to be in top form. Without him, Liverpool would have endured an even more challenging start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Bradley Barcola’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain has added another wrinkle to Liverpool’s forward line. While the French international can operate on the right wing, he is most comfortable and most effective off the left, meaning Gakpo might have to shift position to keep his place in the lineup.
Liverpool’s Alexander Isak celebrates with Cody Gakpo after scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday August 29, 2026. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Gakpo, however, is one of the most versatile attackers in the Premier League. He can play on the left or right. He can also operate as a centre forward and as a second striker, although Liverpool’s system rarely accommodates the latter. Iraola is surely thankful that Gakpo wasn’t sold to Manchester City in the summer.
Considering what has unfolded around Manchester City in the past week, Gakpo might also be thankful that he didn’t make the move to the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool might still be a work-in-progress under Iraola, but Gakpo is an important part of what the Spaniard is building on Merseyside.
By fans and experts, Gakpo hasn’t always been appreciated in the manner he should be. The Dutch international is proven at the top level for club and country and is doing an excellent job of keeping Liverpool competitive near the top of the Premier League table. The Reds need him.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com