Virgil van Dijk has insisted Liverpool should keep Cody Gakpo because the club "should keep quality players" as a move to Manchester City gathers momentum.
The Dutchman could ultimately prove to be the one who loses out in the Reds' summer recruitment drive as they finally close in on Bradley Barcola from PSG. The Frenchman has been on their radar for months and a £123million agreement has finally been struck.
Barcola though would play in Gakpo's position on the wing and as a result Liverpool are prepared to green light his departure. Tottenham had been keen but the Dutchman is more likely to move to City in a deal that could reach £85m.
Van Dijk backs Gakpo to stay at Anfield
Gakpo was on target in Liverpool's opening weekend draw at Newcastle and outshone both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak - two men who cost in excess of £100m - and Van Dijk is clearly adamant he should remain at Anfield.
When quizzed on whether his compatriot should stay he replied: "What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players. Let's see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine. He's very important for us."
Liverpool's forward plans and Gakpo's exit conditions
Gakpo's departure will only be sanctioned if Liverpool sign another wide forward, in addition to Barcola, reports ESPN. But the Reds have been active in that space and are currently eyeing Ismaila Sarr.
They moved onto the Crystal Palace winger after it became clear that Brighton had no plans to sell Yankuba Minteh, who they had originally gone after before seeing their bids rejected.
Gakpo moved to Liverpool after the World Cup in 2022 and has gone on to score 51 times in 182 games without ever establishing himself as the team's marquee marksman. The signing of Isak for a British record fee has meant that Liverpool have had to seek a return on their investment.
The same can be said for Wirtz and, if he arrives, Barcola. Iraola would have a front three who were all signed for fees that exceeded the £100m mark whilst they also have Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz, adding further competition in the final third.
