Sources: Bayern Munich make Cody Gakpo transfer decision after Liverpool deal completed
Bayern Munich will not make a move to sign Cody Gakpo this summer after they chose to pursue a deal for his ex-Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz last year.
Gakpo was linked to Bayern last summer alongside Diaz as Vincent Kompany aimed to bolster his left-wing options.
The Colombian international eventually joined the German giants in July, and that move means Gakpo will not be joining Bayern from the Reds this summer.
Gakpo has struggled to find form this season, with seven goals in 34 appearances across all competitions as Liverpool continue to suffer a drop-off compared to last term.
Diaz has been a real standout for Bayern as they compete for silverware on all fronts, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, his form means the club will not pursue Gakpo again ahead of next season.
- Read more: ‘Robbing a living’ – Liverpool fans rip into player who lost possession 13 times vs Sunderland
Bayern have Cody Gakpo shortlisted but Luis Diaz has been the right pick
Diaz has registered 19 goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances for Bayern so far, with a hat-trick against Hoffenheim earlier this month to maintain their six-point lead over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I would be surprised (if Gakpo went to Bayern). Obviously, last summer, it seemed as if it was a choice between Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz for Bayern Munich, as they wanted to bring in a new left-sided winger.
“They obviously went for Diaz and it’s been a massive success for the German club, Diaz has really hit the ground running for Bayern Munich.
“He’s become a key man for Vincent Kompany’s side, so you would imagine that he has that left-wing spot locked down.
“Gakpo obviously is a versatile player who can play anywhere across that front line as well, so I’m sure Bayern Munich would still have him on their list, but I don’t think it’ll be a priority for them right now.
“I don’t think Liverpool will be rushing Cody Gakpo out of the club either. They’re a bit short of attacking options on that left hand side.”
Chelsea leading Liverpool in race to sign Murillo
Liverpool are set to bolster their centre-back options this summer after being left short in that position for this season following a failed move for Marc Guehi.
Nottingham Forest star Murillo has emerged as one of the highest-rated central defenders in the Premier League over the last few years, and is known to be a target for the Anfield club.
They have recently signed Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to join in the summer, though, and Football Insider have revealed that Chelsea are the frontrunners to sign Murillo as a result.
Murillo does not see himself as a potential Championship player, and would cost around £50million if he was to leave the City Ground.