New winger is coming as Gakpo lined up for £70m exit

It looks like Liverpool could be strengthening their wings in the upcoming transfer window.

The likes of Yan Diomande, Mateus Mane and Anthony Gordon have been linked in recent weeks. It’s unlikely that Mohamed Salah will remain a Liverpool player beyond summer 2026 while Federico Chiesa is also likely to leave.

On the other side Rio Ngumoha is right now the only viable alternative to Cody Gakpo. The Premier League champions could do with an upgrade - amid concerns around the Dutchman’s output this season.

Landing new players on the wings could cost Liverpool as much as £100m and so any money brought in on sales would be very welcome.

And now according to a report in Fichajes Atletico Madrid are readying a bid to take Gakpo off Liverpool’s hands - which would help no end in funding bids for other wide forwards.

“Atlético Madrid believes they could try to lure him away from Anfield for a fee close to €80 million, still below Liverpool's initial asking price,” the report reads.

“The profile fits what Diego Simeone is looking for: physical power, the ability to break through defenses, and tactical versatility.”

Cody Gakpo: Situation summary

Cody Gakpo feels like a starter whose status is somehow still up for debate.

He has been heavily used since arriving from PSV for around £37m in January 2023, logging well over 2,000 minutes in each of his full Liverpool seasons and again clearing that mark in 2025‑26.

He was central to last year’s title win, hitting 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions, and Arne Slot has largely kept faith with him as the first‑choice left‑sider who can also play as a nine.

Contractually, Gakpo is locked in. He signed an extension in August 2025 that runs to 2030, upgrading a previous 2028 deal and reportedly lifting his wage into the £200,000–£250,000‑per‑week bracket.

That long runway, plus his age profile and output, explains why internal discussion around any sale starts at “elite” money – Bayern Munich, for example, have been linked at around £65m (roughly €75m).

The tension, and the reason his situation is watched so closely, is that a player tied down as a core piece is performing like a solid contributor rather than an undisputed star, leaving Liverpool with a looming decision on whether to double down or cash in.

Analysis

Many Liverpool fans are unlikely to rue the departure of Gakpo - seen as a favourite pupil of Arne Slot.

The Netherlands’ international has got eight goals in close to 40 appearances this season - getting back on the goal trail last weekend against West Ham.

Supporters bemoan his tendency to cut inside and shoot at goal - with it believed that Ngumoha for example is a far more unpredictable option.

There is a reason Slot likes him however - and he remains a key part of the head coach’s plans. A good summer bid would certain test Liverpool’s resolve - helping to tame the wage bill and add to the funds for new signings.

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