Liverpool: Andoni Iraola breaks silence on Cody Gakpo transfer links after Ipswich heroics | OneFootball

Duthcman held talks over move away from Anfield earlier this month

Andoni Iraola hailed Cody Gakpo’s professionalism after he helped Liverpool a 2-0 defeat of Ipswich following the close of a transfer window in which he came close to leaving the club.

The Dutchman was in fine form on Friday night as he assisted both of Alexander Isak’s goals at Portman Road.

But, to turn the clocks back a week, it seemed there was a good chance Gakpo might not have been a Liverpool player this season. Ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, he was heavily linked with moves to Tottenham and Manchester City.

The versatile forward will face increased competition for his place this season after the Reds spent a nine-figure fee to sign Bradley Barcola, but Gakpo ultimately decided to remain at Liverpool anyway.

Cody Gakpo has started the season in fine form

PA

Iraola insists the player’s situation was in hand as Deadline Day approached. He said at his pre-match press conference: “My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning. He was always aware of the situation in the market, we were constantly talking.”

Gakpo’s brace of assists against Ipswich seemingly vindicated his decision to stick around, and speaking at full-time, Iraola could not help but heap praise on the player, who he says trained well throughout pre-season despite speculation.

“I have no doubt with Cody,” he said. “He has been very good all the pre-season, has started very well this season, producing numbers.

“Cody knows how much we value him, I think there is no doubt. I rate him very highly.

“(On Friday) again, after the two assists, he finishes No9 to help us close the game.”

He added: “I think it's good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top and to have him in this place for this beginning of the season is good."