Liverpool is preparing to make significant changes to their wing positions this summer.
Mohamed Salah will be departing the club after agreeing to terminate his £400k-per-week contract a year early. In addition, Federico Chiesa is up for grabs at approximately €20m, attracting interest from several Italian teams for the 28-year-old.
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The leading candidates for new signings include Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola, and Francisco Trincao.
Diomande, only 19 years old, could be available for around €100m if RB Leipzig opts to sell. Meanwhile, Barcola could be on the move from Paris Saint-Germain, although his asking price could exceed that of Diomande.
Trincao offers a more affordable alternative, with Sporting CP reportedly willing to sell for around €50m for the former players from Wolves and Barcelona player.
Liverpool’s aspirations to acquire a new star winger could receive a considerable boost as Caught Offside reports that Cody Gakpo is a target.
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Spurs eye £60m bid for Cody Gakpo
The £250k-per-week forward for the Reds has surfaced as a viable transfer target following Arne Slot’s dismissal from Liverpool.
Gakpo, now 27, was viewed as Slot’s standout player, yet he blocked Rio Ngumoha from taking up more game time on the left wing, leading to frustration among Reds’ supporters.
Should Gakpo depart, it would benefit Ngumoha in two ways: first, by providing the teenager with the opportunity for more playing time. With Bayern Munich monitoring the situation and Ngumoha’s contract expiring in two seasons, it is vital for the club to secure his future on Merseyside.
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The €70m fee for Gakpo would significantly assist sporting director Richard Hughes in acquiring a replacement or an upgrade on Gakpo.
Path clears for Ngumoha
Liverpool typically adheres to strict financial measures, where new acquisitions are often financed through player sales. After spending £450m last summer, it’s improbable that the club will reach similar figures this time.
Therefore, a substantial fee for Gakpo, who signed a long-term deal last year, would be advantageous.
“Tottenham is understood to be preparing a substantial bid for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo,” the report states.
“Spurs are leading the pursuit of Gakpo’s signature, internally preparing to present an offer worth around €70m for the 27-year-old.”
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Liverpool may potentially ignite a bidding war for the Dutch international, who joined the club in 2023. “Newcastle and Bayern Munich are monitoring the player’s status,” the report mentions.
However, it underscores that Spurs are currently in the lead, with developments anticipated soon.
“Tottenham is expected to make an official approach shortly,” the report adds.
Consequently, rather than be stuck with an underperforming Gakpo under a hefty salary for the remainder of his contract, Liverpool could seize the opportunity to profit from the former PSV captain.