Cody Gakpo set for new Liverpool role under Arne Slot – sources
Cody Gakpo is set to be used as a full-time centre-forward under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old will work under his Dutch countryman in the 2024-25 campaign and the new manager’s plan is to use him in a settled position.
Gakpo is set to be moved full-time into a striker role, after playing wide on both flanks, down the middle as well as in a withdrawn number 10 role under Jurgen Klopp in the 2023-24 campaign.
The Netherlands international, who has lined up as a left winger for his nation at the European Championships, notched 16 goals and six assists last term.
Liverpool have already failed with a move for Newcastle star Anthony Gordon and are believed to be targeting a left-sided player in this off-season.
Football Insider also revealed on Monday (1 July) that the Merseysiders are willing to listen to offers for Luis Diaz, who is a target for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool star Gakpo set for striker move next season
He made 53 appearances in total but only 32 of those outings came as part of the starting lineup.
The 25-year-old was most prolific in a striker role, notching 12 goals and three assists in 27 appearances when leading the line (as per Transfermarkt).
Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV in 2023 and Slot is familiar with his talents after the pair’s overlapping time in the Eredivisie.
The move also casts doubt on the future of Darwin Nunez, who failed to find a prolific touch to power Liverpool to a meaningful title challenge last term.
Nunez scored 18 goals in 54 club games in Klopp’s final season at Anfield but was statistically one of the most wasteful forwards in the Premier League.
Football Insider revealed in May that Liverpool could listen to offers for the Uruguay international this summer.
In other news, Liverpool work on multiple deals as three first-XI signings expected.
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