Liverpool to clear decks for €130m Florian Wirtz with surprise transfer SACRIFICE | OneFootball

Of all Liverpool’s forward options, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo appeared the most secure ahead of the summer transfer window.

Links have long been prevalent for the likes of Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota. With Liverpool seeking to raise money in order to fund incomings, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes seem to consider plenty in the strike line as expendable.

Salah had a contract due to expire in 2025 but Richard Hughes got an agreement over the line for the Egyptian to remain at Anfield until 2027. There is no question about the 32-year-old staying at the club - with links to Al-Hilal now in the rearview mirror.

And Gakpo - who scored 18 goals in all competitions during the title-winning season - also had a future which looked certain. A favourite of Arne Slot, the Dutchman looks like he has won the right to be first-choice left-winger in the Liverpool team.

Now however that status doesn’t seem so clear-cut.

Gakpo under consideration by Bayern

Recently, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. On one hand, some Liverpool fans might take that as an indication that the Bavarians no longer consider Florian Wirtz as a viable candidate to arrive.

On the other hand, Gakpo has found another gear under Slot - scoring 10 goals and adding four assists in the Premier League in 24 starts.

The former PSV captain is under contract at Anfield until 2028 and so it would take a sizeable bid to dislodge him.

With Liverpool’s deal for €150m-rated Wirtz growing ever closer - it now appears that the club would consider sacrificing Gakpo to make space for the Germany international.

That’s according to the latest report by Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who claims an exit for Gakpo this summer is on the table.

Bayern inquire over Gakpo

“Regardless of FC Bayern’s interest, a summer departure for Cody Gakpo is possible if the right offer comes in,” he wrote on X.

“Several enquiries have already been made. Gakpo has been informed about Bayern’s interest – Max Eberl is maintaining contact. Nothing more at this stage.

“Bayern are one of only three clubs he would consider leaving Liverpool for. However, Bayern continue to assess multiple profiles. 21G/8A.”

If Liverpool are prepared to consider Gakpo as a potential candidate for sale, that could provide an insight as to where Slot sees Wirtz lining up in the team.

© IMAGO - Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2024-25