Cody Gakpo set for new Liverpool role after what Bradley Barcola did vs Ipswich
Liverpool are planning to use Cody Gakpo in a new role following the arrival of Bradley Barcola, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old came close to joining Man City in the closing stages of the window, but no deal was agreed, and questions have been asked about his long-term future.
However, Andoni Iraola is keen to utilise the Netherlands international's versatility by deploying him on the right-hand side, where he shone in the 2-0 win against Ipswich.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Barcola is expected to lock down the left-wing position, with Gakpo forced to the opposite flank.
The France international came on in the 63rd minute at Portman Road and left fans and coaches impressed with his performance this early into his Liverpool career.
Despite typically being allowed to cut inside from the left-hand side, Gakpo will now be pushed into a different role, but looks unfazed after picking up two assists against Ipswich.
How close did Cody Gakpo come to leaving Liverpool?
Football Insider revealed on 4 September that Iraola views Gakpo as an important player at Liverpool and was always reluctant to see him leave the club in the window.
There had been suggestions that Barcola's arrival would be the catalyst to push Gakpo away from Anfield, but the club remained firm in their stance despite his arrival.
Instead, Iraola now has an exciting opportunity to use both forwards in his starting XI either side of Alexander Isak as part of a very dangerous front three.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Cody Gakpo will get plenty of game time for Liverpool this season.
"He's such a versatile player and Liverpool didn't want to lose that, he can play on the left, as a number nine, and he's been playing out on the right in games this season as well.
"That just shows his versatility and what he can bring to Andoni Iraola's side, and with Liverpool failing to bring in a recognised right-winger, he will play plenty of minutes in that new role.
"That is despite the arrival of Bradley Barcola as well, who will play in his preferred left-wing position when he's ready to make an impact at Liverpool."
How does Gakpo feel about his role at Liverpool?
Despite questions having been asked of his long-term future at Anfield throughout the summer transfer window, Gakpo's departure was ultimately blocked by Liverpool.
Their pursuit of new wingers, not just Barcola but also the likes of Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr, left uncertainty for the forward about his role in their plans.
However, Football Insider revealed on 6 Septmeber that Gakpo is happy to stay at Liverpool and is highly unlikely to cause any issues for Iraola behind the scenes.
Instead, sources say he is keen to get back to work under Iraola and continue his strong start to the season as part of the new boss' ambitious plans.
Gakpo has already registered one goal and three assists in three games so far this season, and will remain an important part of the side, despite the arrival of Barcola.