Cody Gakpo faces uncertain Liverpool future as Victor Munoz signs
Cody Gakpo is facing an uncertain future at Liverpool as the club targets heavy investment in wide areas following the £34.5m signing of Victor Munoz.
The Netherlands international recently highlighted differences between his national team role and his deployment at Anfield after scoring twice against Sweden at the World Cup.
“It’s different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have,” Gakpo responded when questioned about his positional duties.
The 27-year-old stopped short of elaborating further on his tactical preferences under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Increased competition on the flanks
Liverpool have already moved to strengthen their left wing by bringing in Munoz from Osasuna this week.
The Reds are also pushing to secure RB Leipzig’s highly rated 19-year-old Yan Diomande in an £86m package.
These aggressive market moves threaten the starting spot of the Dutch forward, who registered nine goals and six assists during a difficult campaign last year.
This represented a significant drop from his output during the 2024-25 title-winning season under Arne Slot, where he contributed 18 goals across all competitions.
Tactical shifts and injury crises
Despite his preference for the left flank, the versatile attacker could be utilised centrally due to a severe injury within the squad.
Striker Hugo Ekitike is expected to be sidelined until 2027 after suffering a ruptured Achilles.
Iraola must also navigate the recent departure of Mohamed Salah, meaning the entire Liverpool frontline is undergoing a significant transition.
The former Bournemouth manager will be hoping for an improved tactical understanding between his left-sided forwards and overlapping full-back Milos Kerkez.
Evolving attacking dynamic
Competition for places is set to be fiercer than ever with talented teenager Rio Ngumoha stepping up to a more prominent first-team role.
German international Florian Wirtz also operated off the left for Liverpool last season and continues to impress in that position at the World Cup.
Having scored 50 goals in 180 appearances, the Anfield favourite remains a proven Premier League asset.
However, the shifting tactical blueprint under Iraola and a flurry of summer transfer activity mean he must fight to retain his undisputed status.
