Gakpo has golden opportunity after new Liverpool transfer update
Cody Gakpo could become the centre of attention at Liverpool during their transitional summer.
Gakpo enjoyed his best season for Liverpool as he scored 10 goals in the Premier League on their way to becoming champions, despite making only 23 starts.
The Netherlands international was brought in from PSV in January 2023 with huge hopes, but has generally been rotated in and out of the team, both on the left and occasionally at centre-forward.
The 26-year-old will hope for more regular game time going forward, and is set for a change as Liverpool continue to mould a new-look squad.
Liverpool end pursuit of Alexander Isak
All the focus at Liverpool over the last week has been on their pursuit of Alexander Isak, as the Reds looked to launch an ambitious move for the star striker.
However, Newcastle swiftly rejected their opening bid of £110million on Friday (1 August) and informed the Merseyside club that they were well under the Magpies’ valuation.
Liverpool duly pulled out of further negotiations and are set to look for other targets this summer.
With Luis Diaz confirming his departure to Bayern Munich on Wednesday (30 July), Arne Slot is suddenly reduced to fewer options in his front line.
It is expected that Liverpool will look at other alternatives, but it also opens the door for Gakpo to cement his place as a regular starter.
With Federico Chiesa set to leave, Mohammed Salah would be the only attacking player more senior than the Dutchman, who will be given a golden opportunity to step up next season.
What Gapko can improve on next season
It is no slight on Gakpo that he has had to compete for a spot with Diaz, who had his best campaign donning a Liverpool shirt last season.
They are remarkably similar players statistically in key metrics, with the Colombian only having a slight edge in productivity last season.
However, Gakpo does not possess the same relentless work rate and drive that endeared Diaz so much to the supporters and, more importantly, to Slot.
The former Feyenoord manager will want to see his compatriot show a little more determination in his defensive work, and equally start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck in challenging moments to trust him fully.
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