Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has refused to guarantee Cody Gakpo will remain at Anfield beyond the September 1 transfer deadline despite insisting that the Dutch forward remains an important member of his squad.

Gakpo has attracted transfer interest in recent weeks, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly monitoring his situation while Manchester City are also understood to admire the versatile attacker.

The 27-year-old started Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park and made an impact, scoring the first of his side’s goals as the Reds secured a 2-2 draw in their first league game of the campaign.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest, Iraola praised Gakpo’s performances and attitude but stopped short of committing to his long-term future.

“I can say what I said last week, and even after the performance he had in the first game, I say the same again. He’s playing very well for us.”
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool Head Coach

The Spaniard added that Gakpo had maintained a strong level since returning from his summer break and stressed the importance of keeping the forward performing at his current level. “He’s been very good since he came back from the World Cup, after the holidays, very good attitude,” he added. “I hope we can keep him at that level because I think he’s been very influential in our games.”

However, when directly asked whether that meant Gakpo would definitely stay at Liverpool, Iraola delivered a much less definitive response. “When the market is open, we have a lot of players, almost 30 players, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone,” the Liverpool boss explained.

Iraola pointed to the unpredictability of the transfer market, saying managers cannot know with certainty which players could leave or which opportunities may emerge before the deadline.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with any of our players. I cannot guarantee anything,” he said, underlining the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s squad.

Barcola Pursuit Adds Another Layer To Gakpo Speculation

Liverpool’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola could further fuel questions over Gakpo’s position in the squad.

Reports indicate that Liverpool have reached an agreement worth around £120 million for the France international, although the transfer is yet to be formally completed.

Barcola’s potential arrival would give Iraola another high-level option in the forward line and could increase competition for minutes, particularly in wide areas where Gakpo has frequently featured.

Liverpool have otherwise been relatively quiet in the transfer market, with Ronald Araujo joining from Barcelona on loan and Jérémy Jacquet arriving after completing a move agreed during the January transfer window.

Despite the speculation, Gakpo has given Liverpool little reason to consider selling him. His goal against Newcastle highlighted his attacking value, while his versatility allows him to operate in several positions across the frontline.

The Dutchman remains part of Iraola’s plans for the clash against Nottingham Forest. However, with the transfer deadline approaching and Liverpool pursuing another major attacking addition, his future could remain one of the club’s biggest talking points until the window closes.