Journalist: Liverpool Star is ‘Using’ Transfer Interest to Earn New Contract | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo and Bayern Munich: Interest or Leverage?

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is no stranger to transfer speculation, and the latest whispers linking him with Bayern Munich have triggered both intrigue and scepticism across Europe. According to a revealing report by Christian Falk in CF Bayern Insider, the Bundesliga giants are monitoring Gakpo as part of their summer transfer shortlist. However, there’s growing suspicion in Munich that the Dutchman’s links to Bayern may be part of a wider strategic play.

“We’ve heard that Cody Gakpo could imagine signing a new contract at Liverpool. So, Bayern Munich aren’t quite sure yet whether they’re just being used as a pawn in the poker,” said Falk.

That kind of poker analogy suggests that Gakpo’s camp may be leveraging Bayern’s interest to prompt Liverpool into action. With the summer window open and clubs posturing over player valuations, such manoeuvres are not uncommon. However, this particular case brings with it deeper implications for Liverpool’s long-term squad building under Arne Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Bayern’s New Transfer Approach

In his column, Falk was clear that while Bayern have Gakpo on their radar, he is far from a top priority.

“Gakpo is one of them but you can’t say that he’s at the top of the list.”

Under Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting direction has taken a turn from Uli Hoeneß’s rigid approach. The Bavarians now appear more flexible in recruitment, compiling broader shortlists rather than pursuing one single marquee name at a time.

“In the past, when Uli Hoeneß was involved in transfers, Bayern have always had a Plan A when it came to transfers, but never a Plan B,” Falk explained. “Now, Max Eberl is working differently, and there are many players on the list.”

It’s a shift that reflects the modern transfer landscape, where elite talent is both expensive and elusive, particularly when attached to Premier League powerhouses like Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Stance on Gakpo

The suggestion that Gakpo is using Bayern’s name to secure a better deal at Liverpool might not be far-fetched. The 26-year-old finished the 2024-25 season with 18 goals and six assists in all competitions and played a critical role in Arne Slot’s title-winning side. His consistency, positional versatility and maturity have made him a key asset.

Gakpo’s current contract runs until 2028, but proactive extensions are not out of the question, especially after Liverpool successfully tied down Mohamed Salah and resisted overtures from Barcelona for Luis Diaz.

“Bayern realise that it’s not an easy feat to bring a player from Liverpool to Munich. This is why they’re checking out the alternatives available to them on the market,” added Falk.

That tells its own story. Liverpool are not in a position where they need to sell, and Bayern know it. Any real move for Gakpo would have to be astronomical in value and timing.

Photo: IMAGO

Wider Implications for Liverpool’s Attack

Should any attacker depart Anfield this summer, it is more likely to be Darwin Nunez, who endured another inconsistent season, or Diogo Jota, if the right offer comes in. But Gakpo? He seems firmly embedded in Slot’s long-term vision.

Liverpool are evolving again, just as they did under Jürgen Klopp, and Gakpo’s physical profile, tactical understanding and mentality align well with what Slot is building. For all the speculation, this may simply be a summer story designed to apply pressure on Liverpool’s front office.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will recognise this story for what it most likely is — transfer chess, not checkmate. Cody Gakpo is flourishing at Anfield, and fans have seen enough of his performances under Slot to know he’s worth holding onto. In a season where the Dutchman grew in both output and influence, there’s no appetite among the Kop to see him sold.

If anything, this report from Christian Falk should serve as a reminder that Liverpool’s best players are still catching the eye of Europe’s elite. That’s a good problem to have, provided the club are swift and strategic in how they respond.

It also speaks volumes that Bayern suspect they’re being used as a bargaining chip. Gakpo clearly knows his worth, and his representatives likely see this as a chance to negotiate improved terms in a settled, successful environment.

Slot has just won the Premier League. If he is to defend that title, keeping core players like Gakpo is essential. A contract extension would not just shut down transfer noise, but send a message that Liverpool mean business this summer.