Journalist: Liverpool star ‘more likely to stay’ despite recent rumours

Journalist: Liverpool star ‘more likely to stay’ despite recent rumours Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool Future Remains Open as Lewis Steele Assesses Summer Exit Talk Speculation surrounding Cody Gakpo’s future refuses to disappear, and with Liverpool continuing to pursue attacking reinforcements, questions remain over whether the Dutch international could become one of the club’s major departures before the transfer window closes. During the latest Media Matters podcast on Anfield Index, host Dave Davis asked Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele whether Liverpool supporters should continue monitoring reports linking Gakpo with a move away. While Steele believes the forward is still more likely to remain at Anfield, he also acknowledged that the story is far from over. Gakpo Exit Rumours Continue Introducing the topic, Dave Davis suggested that Gakpo’s future may remain uncertain, particularly if Liverpool complete a move for Paris Saint Germain winger Bradley Barcola. “Cody Gakpo’s name won’t disappear with an exit.” He continued by explaining why supporters should not dismiss the speculation. “It feels like we’ve talked about this for a while and even in the last few weeks there’s still reports that if Barcola comes, keep an eye on Gakpo.” Davis concluded by suggesting the uncertainty may continue until the transfer window officially closes. “It feels until that window shuts we can’t rule out a Cody Gakpo departure completely.” Those comments reflected the wider discussion around Liverpool’s pursuit of another forward and how any major arrival could have consequences elsewhere in the squad. Lewis Steele Believes Liverpool Will Keep Him Lewis Steele responded by acknowledging that Gakpo’s future has been a recurring topic throughout the summer. “It’s always been going round and round.” He also pointed to previous interest from Germany. “Bayern looked into him last summer before they did Diaz.” Despite those links, Steele believes Liverpool are currently more likely to retain the Dutch forward. “I still think he’s probably more likely to stay.” His reasoning centred on Liverpool’s current attacking depth. “I don’t think that they can sanction a sale for someone in a position where they’re so light.” That point is particularly significant given Liverpool’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the forward line. Selling an experienced attacker while still trying to recruit another would leave the squad short unless replacement business had already been completed. Iraola Could Offer Fresh Opportunity Although Gakpo endured a difficult campaign, Steele suggested there remains enough belief within Liverpool to justify giving the forward another opportunity under Andoni Iraola. “Although he had his flaws and he wasn’t great last season, I sort of think you give him a chance under Iraola and see how he gets on.” Photo: IMAGO That reflects the broader theme throughout the podcast, with several Liverpool players viewed as potential beneficiaries of the new head coach’s arrival. Steele repeatedly highlighted the expectation that Iraola’s energetic, aggressive style could help a number of players rediscover their best form. Big Offer Could Change Liverpool’s Thinking While Steele leaned towards Gakpo remaining at Liverpool, he stopped short of ruling out a transfer completely. Instead, he suggested the right financial proposal could alter Liverpool’s position. “If someone was to put big money on the table then maybe they’d go to it.” He also reminded listeners that Liverpool have publicly acknowledged the need to balance their spending. “They’ve always said they need to get a sale under the belt this summer.” Steele admitted Gakpo could become that player if circumstances changed, although he stressed there has been no major development at this stage. “Maybe he could be the guy, but there’s nothing concrete on that just yet.” That final point perhaps best summarises Liverpool’s current position. Interest exists, speculation continues and the arrival of another attacker could naturally increase debate over Gakpo’s future. Yet, based on Lewis Steele’s assessment during Media Matters with Dave Davis, Liverpool are not actively looking to move the Dutch international on. For now, the expectation remains that Cody Gakpo will stay at Anfield and be given the opportunity to impress under Andoni Iraola. Only an exceptional offer, combined with Liverpool completing their own attacking business, appears capable of changing that picture before the transfer window closes.