Andoni Iraola, the manager of Liverpool, has expressed his satisfaction that forward Cody Gakpo is still part of the team after a proposed transfer to Manchester City did not materialize. The Dutch international was a subject of interest from both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, with discussions taking place regarding a potential sale.
Despite Gakpo's willingness to consider a move to Manchester City, the deal fell apart when City did not meet Liverpool's asking price, which was reported to be around £85 million. Liverpool ultimately decided against letting Gakpo leave, particularly after failing to secure a suitable replacement for the talented winger.
In a pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool's upcoming fixture against Ipswich Town, Iraola highlighted Gakpo's importance to the squad. He noted the player's impressive performances since the start of the season, stating, "Cody is a very smart player. My relationship with him has been honest since the beginning. He has performed with us very well, in all the pre-season games, in all the games. He scored in the first game, assisted in the next one."
Iraola emphasized the ongoing communication between him and Gakpo regarding the transfer situation, saying, "He was well aware of the situation in the market - we were constantly talking with each other. He has trained very well and I hope we keep him at the same level. He is in a good place, physically, mentally. I am glad to keep Cody because he is a valuable player."
With Gakpo remaining at Liverpool, he will join a competitive group of wingers that includes new signings Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola, as well as Rio Ngumoha. While many of these players prefer to operate on the left side of the pitch, Iraola is confident in their ability to adapt to various positions. He stated, "I think we would have preferred in the end to have the best players than a player for a specific position. I am used to demanding all the wingers to play from both sides."
Iraola's comments reflect a strategic approach to squad management, as he noted that players like Munoz, Gakpo, and Ngumoha have successfully played on the right side during pre-season and competitive matches. He believes that the flexibility of his wingers will be beneficial throughout the season, saying, "I think probably they have played more on the left. I have seen them in a good place on the right, probably Rio is more specific from the left side, but I think he has the willingness to improve and play on the right side."
As Liverpool prepares for their match against Ipswich Town, the retention of Cody Gakpo adds depth to their attacking options and strengthens their pursuit of success in the current season. The club's decision to keep him, despite the transfer speculation, underscores their commitment to maintaining a competitive squad in the Premier League.
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