Cody Gakpo faces an uncertain Liverpool future following the club's move for Spain winger Victor Munoz. The Dutch international could see his starting spot come under pressure after the Spaniard's arrival, having named several other clubs among his 'dream' destinations shortly before joining Anfield himself.
Gakpo's Previous Comments
Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, with the deal confirmed shortly after his impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands. Just weeks earlier, however, he pointed to Manchester United and Manchester City as clubs where he might thrive. In November 2022, he told NOS: "I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that next step. I feel like I was already that way at the start of this season, but after this season, I'm even more ready to take that next step." When asked who he might join, he said: "Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honour to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team would suit me best."
Munoz Arrival
Munoz became Liverpool's second summer signing after Jeremy Jacquet, and the first since Andoni Iraola was confirmed as the Reds' new manager. The £35m Spaniard is currently with his national team at the World Cup, where he was an unused substitute for Spain's draw with Cape Verde. A Liverpool statement said: "The forward, who is currently on World Cup duty with Spain, completed a medical at the country's base in Tennessee in the USA and has put pen to paper on a long-term contract. Munoz is the first new addition since the arrival of head coach Andoni Iraola and will link up with his new teammates later this summer after his participation in the tournament with his national team has concluded."
Potential Exit
Munoz's arrival could accelerate Gakpo's exit. He is unlikely to be the only wide forward to move to Anfield this summer. The Reds have moved forward with a package for Yan Diomande, which could cost more than £86m for the Ivorian winger, helping build for the post-Mohamed Salah era. Gakpo could yet stay put, especially with Hugo Ekitike not expected back soon following an achilles injury. However, with Munoz operating off the left and Rio Ngumoha expected to play a bigger role after a breakout season, now may be the time to cash in. The 27-year-old signed a new contract last August, keeping him at Anfield until 2030. That should ensure the Reds recoup a decent fee for a player who cost around £40m from PSV.
