Sophia
In a fascinating turn of events, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has revealed that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich initially targeted him this summer before ultimately securing the services of his former teammate, Luis Díaz. This disclosure comes as Gakpo himself committed his long-term future to Anfield, signing a new contract that extends his stay until 2030.
Bayern’s Shifting Targets: From Gakpo to Diaz
Speaking while on international duty, the 26-year-old Dutchman confirmed earlier speculation about Bayern’s interest. “From what I understand, they did come,” Gakpo stated, before adding with a knowing smile, “…but they ended up buying Luis Díaz.” This candid admission sheds light on the often-complex dynamics of the transfer market, where clubs frequently pursue multiple targets before finalizing a deal.
The eventual move saw Luis Díaz join Bayern Munich in July, a significant transfer that saw the Colombian winger depart Anfield. For Liverpool, this meant a change in their attacking options, creating new opportunities for players like Gakpo.
Gakpo’s Renewed Commitment to Anfield
Despite the external interest, Gakpo chose to extend his stay at Liverpool, adding two years to his previous deal, which was set to expire in 2028. This new contract ties him to the Reds until potentially just after his 31st birthday, representing a substantial vote of confidence from the club, especially in a summer that has seen considerable investment in new attacking talent.
Gakpo’s journey at Anfield hasn’t always been seamless. He faced challenges in securing regular starting berths during Jürgen Klopp’s final season in 2023–24. However, the arrival of Arne Slot and his tactical preferences, including a willingness to deploy Luis Díaz as a No. 9, inadvertently opened up a more prominent role for Gakpo.
Increased Opportunities Amidst Competition
The departure of Díaz has undoubtedly lightened the competition for places in Liverpool’s formidable attack. Gakpo has started all three Premier League games so far this season, signaling his importance under the new management. However, the landscape remains competitive with the likes of Florian Wirtz, who is capable of playing wide, and the recent acquisition of Alexander Isak, who joins Hugo Ekitiké as a central forward option.
Despite the influx of talent, Gakpo expressed his contentment with his decision to commit to Liverpool. “I think it took us a year. Maybe a little longer or shorter, but it’s just a long process,” he admitted regarding his contract negotiations. “I already told the club that I’m happy and that my family is happy in England. We feel at home, and I think that’s very important, besides the football itself, of course.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Gakpo and Liverpool
Gakpo’s decision to sign a new deal, coupled with the intriguing revelation about Bayern’s initial interest, marks a significant moment for both the player and the club. As Liverpool navigates a new era under Arne Slot, Gakpo’s commitment and his evolving role within the squad will be crucial to their ambitions for the season ahead.
