TA published an article stating that Gakpo was once considered one of the Liverpool players most likely to be sold. However, with the new season underway and difficulties in signing new forwards, his importance has increased significantly. Liverpool's position is now clear: they will not allow Gakpo to leave unless they sign two more forwards before the transfer window closes.

Liverpool's stance is unambiguous. Unless they sign two more forwards in the next six days, they will not sell Gakpo to Tottenham, Man City, or any other club. Liverpool also held important discussions about Barcola on Tuesday, while Minte is also on their scouting radar. This deal is not impossible, but it would be very difficult to complete successfully.

Without new signings, Liverpool cannot afford to weaken their attack further by letting Gakpo go. Since returning from the World Cup, he has won over doubters and scored in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle.

Consider what Liverpool would be facing without him when they play Nottingham Forest on Saturday. How many Liverpool fans would support his departure before the season has even begun?

Even if some did not truly believe it, few fans would have objected had the transfer deadline closed before preseason began. Gakpo's performance last season fell short of expectations.

As Liverpool lost momentum in the second half of the 2024-25 season, this forward was seen as the most likely candidate to be sold this summer. Several aspects of his play came under particular criticism. Gakpo too often attempted the same move—cutting inside to open up space for a shot—but often with little success. In doing so, he sometimes ignored the left-back's overlapping runs. It seemed his form had deteriorated beyond repair, and when the season actually began, his departure appeared entirely justified.

But now he cannot be sold because, unless key signings are completed, he is too important to the team's structure, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined through injury. Even with two additional forwards signed, some argue Gakpo remains valuable due to his versatility. As Ferguson repeatedly emphasized during his time at Man United, there is never a concern about having too many goal-scoring players in a squad, and Gakpo's 33 goals in 128 Premier League games represent a solid return for a left winger.

If his strong form this summer is not enough to demonstrate his value, then strengthening a rival’s squad is certainly a factor. Although neither of the two interested Premier League clubs has formally contacted Liverpool, the situation could still change. With multiple deals still being negotiated in the final days of the transfer window, numerous variables remain.

This summer has been quite chaotic. Man City have lost their Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri, Chelsea have signed two players born in 1990, Tottenham continue to invest heavily, and Aston Villa helplessly watch their most successful squad in over 30 years gradually fall apart.

Closing the transfer window before the season starts would not solve all problems, but it could at least help Barcola and his PSG teammate Mbappé, who is also a Liverpool target. Both should already have joined their respective clubs. They should already be playing for their new teams.

As a result, both missed the European Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and Ligue 1's opening match, with their futures still uncertain. They may both complete their transfers and make up for lost time, but the situation is admittedly chaotic. The same applies to Liverpool's scramble to sign players in the final stages of the transfer window, at least until the next development becomes clear.

Liverpool have known since March that Salah would be leaving, yet a replacement on the right flank has still not arrived. In the opening league match, two left-sided players were used in that position: first Rio Ngumoha, then Vinícius Muniz. Both are talented, but they are naturally better suited to playing on the left. Barcola also prefers the left flank, but if a transfer fee can be agreed, Minte could address the shortage on the right wing. Frankly, having too many options on the left would make it easier to let Gakpo depart. But now is not the right time—not when he remains the biggest attacking threat, and not when other expensive signings have taken far longer than expected to settle.

Liverpool need attacking stability, and despite the many issues last season, Gakpo may be the one to provide it.

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