Liverpool's £35 million signing of Victor Munoz has cast doubt over Cody Gakpo's future at Anfield. The Dutch international could find his place on the left under threat following the Spaniard's arrival, and were he to leave, he has previously dropped hints about preferred destinations.
Gakpo's Past Comments Hint at Next Move
Gakpo moved to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, with the transfer confirmed weeks after his eye-catching World Cup performances with the Netherlands. A matter of weeks beforehand, though, he named the Reds as one of five clubs where he believed he could flourish.
"I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that next step," the forward told NOS in November 2022. "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 pressed on potential destinations, 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 Shakes Up Liverpool Attack
Gakpo's new colleague Munoz became Liverpool's second summer acquisition after Jeremy Jacquet, and the first since Andoni Iraola was confirmed as the Reds' new boss. The £35 million Spaniard is currently part of Spain's World Cup contingent, though he did not make it off the bench in La Roja's opener against Cape Verde.
"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," a Liverpool statement read. "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."
Further new recruits are expected at Anfield before the window shuts. The Reds have progressed with a package for Yan Diomande, which could see them spend upwards of £86 million on the Ivorian winger as they prepare for life after Mohamed Salah.
Gakpo's Potential Departure
Gakpo may yet remain, particularly with Hugo Ekitike not anticipated back in action for some time following an achilles injury. Nevertheless, with Munoz operating from the left and Rio Ngumoha expected to feature more prominently after a breakthrough campaign, now might be the moment to secure a sale.
The 27-year-old penned a fresh contract last August, tying him to Anfield until 2030. That should guarantee the Reds are able to command a respectable fee for a player who cost them approximately £40 million more than three years ago.
