Liverpool told whether they could use Cody Gakpo in a swap deal for £87m star

Liverpool have a lot of questions to answer next season.

The Anfield outfit have massively let their fans down this term with the club currently five points adrift of the Champions League spots.

There have been many factors involved with their poor performances this term but their main problem has been the lack of cohesion among their players and the fact that Arne Slot has been playing his men away from their favoured positions.

Cody Gakpo is one of the biggest culprits for this with the Dutchman failing to meet the standards expected of him despite the trust that Slot has shown in him.

And now, ahead of the 2026-27 summer transfer window, the future of the former PSV man is being brought into question.

Liverpool will not use Cody Gakpo as a bargaining chip to sign Yan Diomande

At the moment, Yan Diomande feels like the most likely player to join Liverpool this summer.

The 19-year-old is one of the most sought-after wingers in the world with most of Europe's biggest clubs vying for his transfer.

However, since RB Leipzig are demanding around £87 million to prise him away from the Red Bull Arena, there are some reservations about whether that much money should be spent on such a young player.

Indeed, he may have 19 goal contributions to his name at the moment but, as Florian Wirtz has shown, the Premier League is a completely different kettle of fish to the Bundesliga.

And, because the price that Leipzig are demanding for Diomande is so high, many rumours have started to emerge including a potential swap deal which could mean that Gakpo goes the other way.

However, as per an update from German journalist Christian Falk, this isn't all that likely to happen.

"It is TRUE: Liverpool are looking closely at Yan Diomande. I heard there’s always been Liverpool scouts in attendance at RB Leipzig’s recent matches in the stands," he wrote.

"But also, there were scouts from PSG – so, be careful, Liverpool! The big advantage is that RB Leipzig would sell if an offer came in above the €100m mark.

"I heard the rumours of a potential swap deal being in the works for Cody Gakpo and Diomande.

"Liverpool need a replacement with Mo Salah set to leave this summer, and it’s going to be difficult for them to bring in Michael Olise.

"I know that because Bayern Munich have made that crystal clear. So that’s why it would be a good option to get Yan Diomande.

"However, the rumours of a swap deal hold no truth. I heard there was no offer from Liverpool, and also, Leipzig wouldn’t make this swap deal because Gakpo is too expensive."

Liverpool must figure out their priorities as soon as possible

If Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, they're going to be in a whole world of trouble.

The vast majority of the Reds' transfer budget next term relies on their qualification to the competition and, without the extra money from the competition, their ability to make meaningful transfers will be massively hindered.

So, this is exactly why Liverpool need to figure out their priorities and which areas of the pitch they actually need to upgrade.

But, since Mohamed Salah is set to exit, it's clear that a winger should be on top of the list.

There's no knowing what the future has in store for Liverpool but, unless they have a massive upturn in form over the next month or so, some serious questions will need to be asked.

That is, especially since Xabi Alonso is ready and waiting to be called upon to take over.

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