Journalist: Liverpool could be open to selling star this summer
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Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool Future Remains Uncertain Amid Tottenham Interest
Liverpool’s summer transfer window is already generating plenty of debate, but few stories have sparked as much discussion as the future of Cody Gakpo. During the latest Media Matters podcast on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and David Lynch examined reports linking Tottenham Hotspur with the Dutch forward and revealed why a departure cannot be ruled out under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile Liverpool supporters remain divided on Gakpo’s long term value, Lynch made it clear that the situation is more open than many expected.
Surprise Shift in Liverpool’s Thinking
One of the most striking revelations from Lynch concerned Liverpool’s willingness to consider offers for Gakpo.
Discussing conversations he had before taking a short break, Lynch admitted:
“I was really, really surprised, I’ll be honest, when I kind of had a conversation about this just before I kind of went away.”
He continued: “I kind of said, surely there’s no chance Gakpo’s on the way this summer.”
However, the response he received from within the club left him taken aback. “The answer I got back was kind of, well, no, we could sell him.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementThat admission is significant given Liverpool’s ongoing squad rebuild following the arrival of Andoni Iraola. With several positions requiring reinforcement, many assumed Gakpo would remain an important squad option.
Instead, Lynch believes Liverpool are open to a sale if the right offer arrives.
“If an offer on the table comes in that he’s good enough, then Liverpool will a hundred percent accept it.”
Gakpo’s Quality Still Recognised
Despite criticism of Gakpo’s performances last season, Lynch pushed back strongly against suggestions that the Dutch international has become a poor player.
Reflecting on his campaign, he said:
AdvertisementAdvertisement“I thought he had a shocking season, don’t get me wrong, I thought he was really, really poor.”
Yet Lynch was equally keen to emphasise the broader context surrounding Liverpool’s attack.
“Was he the only Liverpool attacker who played that well last season? He wasn’t the only one.”
He also reminded listeners of Gakpo’s contribution during Liverpool’s Premier League winning campaign under Arne Slot.
“He proved in the season prior to that that he could be a big part of a title winning side.”
Lynch added:
“He was massive in that season. He scored some big goals and scored a lot of goals as well.”
Photo: IMAGO
AdvertisementAdvertisementAndoni Iraola Could Unlock More
An important theme throughout the discussion was whether Iraola’s style could help revive Gakpo’s Liverpool career.
Lynch believes there is still a useful player within the squad if deployed correctly.
“If you platform him correctly.”
He highlighted Gakpo’s strengths:
“He’s a big lad, he can hold people off.”
And concluded: “I think he’s really got his uses.”
Most notably, Lynch expressed confidence that the new Liverpool head coach could improve the forward’s output.
“I think Iraola can get a lot more out of him.”
That assessment will encourage those supporters hoping Gakpo receives another opportunity to prove himself at Anfield.
AdvertisementAdvertisementTottenham Links and Barcola Connection
Reports from Fabrizio Romano regarding Tottenham’s interest were also discussed during the podcast, with Dave Davis highlighting claims that clubs are exploring whether a deal could be possible.
Lynch acknowledged that Premier League clubs are the most realistic buyers because of the financial demands involved.
“The likelihood is that if he does go it’ll be to a Premier League club.”
However, he also warned supporters not to dismiss the possibility of a transfer.
“What I would say with Gakpo, is keep an eye on it.”
The wider significance for Liverpool could involve potential replacements. Lynch suggested that if Gakpo departs, Liverpool’s longstanding interest in Bradley Barcola could become increasingly relevant.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“That feels like it’s not taking too huge a leap to say that’s a big possibility to see Gakpo go and Barcola come in.”
For now, Liverpool have not given any indication that Gakpo must leave. Yet the conversation between Dave Davis and David Lynch made one thing abundantly clear. Under Andoni Iraola, Cody Gakpo’s future at Liverpool remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer transfer window.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
