Arjun Menon
Salah’s Stance Could Determine Gakpo’s Anfield Stay
Cody Gakpo’s tenure at Liverpool remains a talking point, with his future at the club potentially tied directly to that of superstar Mohamed Salah. Last summer, Bayern Munich expressed significant interest in acquiring Gakpo. However, the Reds ultimately opted to retain the Dutch international, instead transferring Luis Diaz to the German giants. Following this, Gakpo reaffirmed his commitment to Anfield with a new contract.
Despite recently signing a new deal, Gakpo’s struggles this season have fueled speculation about his longevity at the club. Football pundit Kevin Brown suggests that Salah’s future will be the deciding factor for Gakpo.
“Gakpo is somebody who could have left last summer,” Brown told Football Insider. “He was one of a few players who were spoken about, these attacking players at Liverpool who haven’t quite been as impressive as [Arne] Slot may have hoped. He ended up staying, but his performances this season haven’t done much to change the opinion that he might be a bit below the level they hope for.”
Brown elaborated that if a substantial offer, perhaps from a club like Bayern Munich, were to materialize, Liverpool would likely consider it for Gakpo. Yet, this scenario is complicated by Mohamed Salah’s uncertain future.
“The problem is, Mohamed Salah is going to play a big part because there’s a big chance he could leave Liverpool and they won’t want too much change. After everything that happened last summer and the chaos of it all, I can’t see Liverpool letting more than one attacker leave, otherwise it just adds to the unsettled feeling. So a lot will depend on what happens with Salah. If he leaves, I expect they’ll keep Gakpo, and if he stays then maybe Gakpo will go instead.”
Mohamed Salah’s Uncertain Liverpool Future
Salah’s remarkable stint at Liverpool, which has spanned nine years, could be nearing its end. During his time at Anfield, the Egyptian King has shattered club records, cementing his status as one of Liverpool’s greatest and a premier talent in the Premier League.
With an astounding 254 goals and 121 assists, Salah has been pivotal in securing major trophies, including two Premier League titles, a Champions League, two League Cups, and an FA Cup. Even in what has been considered a comparatively quieter season, he has registered 17 goal contributions in 31 games, a testament to his consistently high standards.
Recent reports suggest Salah’s future is now in doubt, especially after a publicized disagreement with coach Arne Slot. Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have shown persistent interest, and while Salah has displayed immense loyalty to Liverpool, he might now be open to a move away.
Gakpo’s Fate Hinges on Salah’s Decision
Liverpool is reportedly keen to avoid a repeat of last summer’s offensive line uncertainty, which saw several forwards linked with departures. According to Brown, the club is unlikely to sanction the exits of multiple attackers in the same transfer window.
Cody Gakpo’s Statistics (2025/26 via Transfermarkt):
- Premier League: 27 games, 6 goals, 3 assists
- Champions League: 7 games, 2 goals, 1 assist
- FA Cup: 3 games, 0 goals, 0 assists
- Total: 37 games, 8 goals, 4 assists
Also Read:Liverpool Eyes Xabi Alonso Amidst Disappointing Campaign
If Salah leaves, Liverpool would probably retain Gakpo to maintain stability in their attack. However, should Salah decide to stay at Anfield, the club might be more receptive to offers for the Dutch forward. Ultimately, Salah’s impending decision could well dictate whether Gakpo remains a part of Liverpool’s future plans.