The Athletic reported that Gakpo was once considered one of the most likely players to be sold by Liverpool, but with the new season underway and lack of progress in signing new forwards, his importance has increased rapidly. Liverpool's stance is now crystal clear: they will not let Gakpo leave unless they sign two more forwards before the transfer window closes.

Liverpool's position is firm. Unless two more forwards are signed in the next six days, Liverpool will not sell Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, or any other club. Liverpool also held important talks about Barcola on Tuesday, and Minteh is also on their radar. This deal is not entirely impossible, but it would be very difficult to arrange and make happen.

Without new signings, it is simply impossible for Liverpool to consider further weakening their attack by letting Gakpo leave. Since returning from the World Cup, he has silenced some doubters and scored in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

Imagine what Liverpool would be like without him against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. But even before the ball rolls, how many Liverpool fans would support his departure?

Even if some didn't genuinely feel that way, assuming the transfer deadline had been moved up to before the start of pre-season, few fans would have wanted to see him go, given that Gakpo's performance last season wasn't ideal.

As Liverpool gradually lost momentum in the second half of the 2024-25 season, this forward was seen as the easiest player to offload this summer. Several aspects of his on-field performance came in for particular criticism. Gakpo was attempting the same move too frequently—cutting inside and opening his body to shoot—but often to little effect; in doing so, he sometimes also missed his full-back's overlapping runs. His form was thought to have deteriorated irreversibly, and when matches actually began, his departure seemed very reasonable.

But now he cannot be sold, because unless a series of reinforcements are in place, he is too important to the team's makeup, especially with Hugo Ekitike injured. Even with two more forwards, some believe Gakpo is still crucial because he can play in multiple positions. As Ferguson repeatedly emphasized during his time at Manchester United, there's no need to worry about having too many goal scorers in the squad, and Gakpo's 33 goals in 128 Premier League appearances is not bad for a left winger.

If his excellent form this summer isn't enough to demonstrate his value, then strengthening a rival's squad is certainly also a factor. Although neither of the two interested Premier League clubs has officially contacted Liverpool, the situation could still change, and with many deals being discussed in the final days of the transfer window, there are still many variables.

This summer has been quite chaotic. Manchester City lost their Ballon d'Or candidate midfielder Rodri, Chelsea signed two players born in 2004, Tottenham Hotspur continues to invest heavily, and Aston Villa is painfully watching their most successful squad in over 30 years slowly disintegrate.

Closing the transfer window before the season starts doesn't solve all problems, but it would at least help Barcola and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappé, who is also a Liverpool target. Theoretically, they should have already played for their respective clubs by now.

As a result, both have missed the UEFA Super Cup and their league's opening match, with their futures uncertain. Both could transfer and make up for lost time, but the situation is indeed somewhat chaotic. The same applies to Liverpool's late push in the transfer window, at least until the next development becomes clear.

Liverpool has known since March that Salah would leave, but a replacement for the right wing still hasn't arrived. In the league opener, two left-footed players appeared in that position, first Rio Ngumoha, then Viktor Muñoz. Both have distinct characteristics, but are better suited to play on the opposite flank.

Barcola also prefers the left side, but if a transfer fee can be agreed upon, Minteh could solve the shortage on the right wing. Frankly, having too many options on the left would make Gakpo's departure easier, but now is not the time. Not when he is still their greatest goal threat, and not when other high-profile signings have taken much longer than expected to settle in.

Liverpool needs stability in attack and, despite many issues last season, Gakpo may be able to provide that.

Traduzido por IA.

O site do AF já está online! Acesse notícias completas, comentários, detalhes de partidas e estatísticas no seu computador. Acesse: www.allfootballapp.com