Victor Munoz signing puts Gakpo's Liverpool future in doubt with four clubs circling

Liverpool’s signing of Victor Munoz for £35m has intensified speculation over Cody Gakpo’s long-term future at Anfield, with the Spaniard’s arrival threatening to push the Dutch international out of his preferred left-wing role.

Munoz, who joined as the club’s second summer signing after Jeremy Jacquet and the first under new head coach Andoni Iraola, completed his medical at Spain’s World Cup base in Tennessee. He is currently on international duty with La Roja, though he did not feature off the bench in their opening tournament match against Cape Verde, and will link up with his new teammates later this summer.

Gakpo, 27, moved to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 following his standout performances at the 2022 World Cup with the Netherlands. Months before that transfer, he had publicly named five clubs where he believed he could thrive — Liverpool among them, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City.

“I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that next step,” Gakpo told NOS in November 2022. “I feel like I was already that way at the start of this season, but after this season, I’m even more ready.” When pressed on destinations, he added: “Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honour to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team would suit me best.”

Gakpo signed a contract extension last August tying him to Anfield until 2030, which should allow Liverpool to command a significant fee should they choose to sell — the club paid approximately £40m for him three years ago.

His departure is not inevitable. Hugo Ekitike is not expected back in action for some time after an Achilles injury, and Gakpo’s versatility remains an asset. However, with Munoz expected to operate from the left and academy graduate Rio Ngumoha set for a more prominent role following a breakthrough campaign, the club may judge this summer an opportune moment to secure a sale.

Liverpool are also pressing ahead with further recruitment. The club have advanced discussions over a deal for Yan Diomande, with reports suggesting they could spend upwards of £86m on the Ivorian winger as they plan for life after Mohamed Salah.