The Athletic published an article stating that Gakpo was previously considered one of the players most likely to be sold by Liverpool, but with the new season underway and difficulties in recruiting new attackers, his importance has increased rapidly. Liverpool's position is now very clear: they will not let Gakpo leave unless they sign two additional attackers before the transfer window closes.

Liverpool's position is crystal clear. Unless they sign two additional attackers in the next six days, Liverpool will not sell Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, or any other club. Liverpool has also held significant discussions about Barcola this week, and Minteh is also on their recruitment radar. This deal is not entirely impossible, but it would be extremely difficult to complete and make financially sense.

Without new arrivals, Liverpool cannot afford to further weaken their attack by letting Gakpo leave. Since his return from the World Cup, he has silenced some doubters and scored in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Imagine how Liverpool would manage without him against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. But how many Liverpool fans would have supported his departure before the season even kicked off?

Even if some didn't truly believe it, if the transfer deadline had been before the start of the season, few fans would have been disappointed, as Gakpo's performance last season was far from ideal.

As Liverpool gradually lost ground during the second half of the 2024-25 season, the forward was widely considered the most likely player to leave this summer. Several aspects of his on-field play came in for particular criticism. Gakpo was too frequently attempting the same move—cutting inside and opening his body to shoot, but often with little success; in doing so, he sometimes also missed the overlapping runs of the left-back. There was a period when his form seemed beyond recovery, 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 injuries to the striker department. Even with two additional attackers, some believe Gakpo remains crucial because he can play multiple positions. As Ferguson repeatedly stated during his time at Manchester United, there is never a problem with having too many goal-scoring players in the squad, and Gakpo's 33 goals in 128 Premier League appearances are respectable for a left winger.

If his excellent form this summer is not enough to demonstrate his value, then strengthening a rival's squad is certainly also a factor. Although none of the interested Premier League clubs have officially contacted Liverpool, the situation could still change, and with several deals still being discussed in the final days of the transfer window, there are still many variables.

This summer has been quite chaotic. Manchester City has lost its Ballon d'Or midfielder Rodri, Chelsea has signed two young prospects, Tottenham Hotspur continues to invest heavily, and Aston Villa watches painfully as its most successful team in over 30 years slowly disintegrates.

Closing the transfer window before the season begins doesn't solve all problems, but it could at least help Barcola and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappé, who is also a target for Liverpool. Logically, they should already be playing for their respective clubs at this stage.

As a result, both have missed the UEFA Super Cup, the Community Shield, and Ligue 1's opening match, with their futures uncertain. They could both be transferred and make up lost time, but the situation is indeed somewhat complicated. The same applies to Liverpool's last-minute activity in the transfer market, at least until the next stage becomes clear.

Liverpool has known since March that Salah would leave, but a replacement on the right wing is still not in place. In their opening league match, two left-footed players appeared in that position successively, first Jarell Quansah, then Luis Díaz. Both have unique qualities, but they are better suited to play on the opposite flank.

Barcola also prefers the left wing, but if a transfer deal can be found, Minteh could solve the shortage on the right wing. Frankly, having too many options on the left flank would make Gakpo's departure easier, but now is not the time. Not when he remains the greatest goal threat, and not when other expensive signings have taken far longer than expected to adapt.

Liverpool needs stability in attack, and despite many problems last season, Gakpo could be able to provide it.

Traduit par IA.

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