Liverpool line up Brazil phenomenon to replace Cody Gakpo, approach has been made

Liverpool appear to have found their star to replace Cody Gakpo. An approach has been made for a Brazilian phenomenon.

Liverpool have accidentally ended up with a real Cody Gakpo problem. The Dutchman was 'supposed' to leave in the summer, with Manchester City very ready to sign him for around £80m.

The Reds even lined up replacements - Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh. Neither deal got over the line, however, and that meant Liverpool couldn't let Gakpo leave.

Now, the real problem there is that they'd really, really thought he'd leave. Liverpool bought two left-wingers with that in mind, signing Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz.

Gakpo staying meant that, along with Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool now have four left-wingers and no right-wingers. They'll be playing someone out of position all season to make up for it.

Complicating things further, Gakpo has arguably been Liverpool's best player this season. But he remains the most obvious player to sell in order to sign a right-sided winger. He's the oldest and the one they haven't just invested in.

The Cody Gakpo replacement

If Gakpo is to leave, Liverpool need a replacement but we do think they've got one in mind. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed their summer approach for Endrick on his YouTube channel.

The Brazilian would have been an incredibly smart signing, with an ability to cover the injured Hugo Ekitiké through the middle and also out on the right. He also happens to be a player we rate very, very highly and feel he's a bit of a successor to Roberto Firmino.

And guess what? He's more available than ever. Endrick turned down summer moves because he wanted to fight for a place at Real Madrid but his minutes there have remained limited.

AS are among those claiming he's ready to move, even if it's on an initial loan in January. But with Endrick coming around to the reality of his Real Madrid future being quite bleak, Liverpool will have another opportunity to strike.

We expect them to. Endrick is a magnificent young player who just needs the right opportunity. Liverpool can give him that and the timing is brilliant - right as they need a player of his profile.

Maybe they have to wait for the summer to make that happen. Maybe something can happen in January. Either way, we don't expect this story is finished.