Liverpool are reportedly set to make a decision on whether to sell Cody Gakpo immediately after their 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. The Netherlands forward played 72 minutes and provided an assist despite strong transfer interest from Tottenham, with Manchester City also linked as they search for replacements for Omar Marmoush and Savio.
Gakpo's performance against Forest
Gakpo operated on the right flank against Forest and turned Neco Williams before setting up Alexander Isak for the Swede's first goal of the season. It was an inspired piece of play from Gakpo, one which many supporters felt had been missing during the last 12 months of his Liverpool career.
With the Reds set to sign Bradley Barcola in a deal worth £123 million before Tuesday's deadline, speculation has arisen that Gakpo may yet leave Anfield. That continued when Liverpool pushed to sign a second winger, with Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr the subject of a £50 million bid this week. Yankuba Minteh was considered, but Brighton's £80 million asking price has caused Liverpool to cancel negotiations.
Transfer talks and replacement plans
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Liverpool will decide on Gakpo's future shortly after full-time against Forest. City are still heavily in talks to sign Gakpo, as are Spurs, but Liverpool are only prepared to sell Gakpo if they can secure a replacement.
It is unclear if that replacement would be Barcola, or if a second winger is required, but Gakpo is set for a busy few days before the window closes.
Gerrard's advice on Gakpo
Steven Gerrard, speaking on HBO Max's coverage of Liverpool's draw with Forest, urged the club to hold onto Gakpo this season.
"Sarr and Minteh are both good options because they can play across the front line and if Gakpo does leave, Liverpool will be very light centrally," he said. "In my opinion, I think Liverpool should keep Gakpo until at least January when Ekitike is back because the last thing you want to do is go into the season with one fit No.9, especially with Alexander Isak's injury record."
"The sensible thing, in my opinion, would be to keep Gakpo and strengthen in another position. I still think Liverpool needs a specialist No.6 to make the team more powerful to play so many games this season. Liverpool got bit on the back side last season by signing players who weren't physically ready or were carrying knocks and took that into the season. In an ideal world, Liverpool needs to sign players who are ready to improve last season's performances."
