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Analysis: Why selling Gakpo and Gomez could be a huge gamble for Liverpool
02nd August, 2026 09:07 AM
Liverpool are entering a decisive stage of the summer transfer window, with only a few weeks remaining before clubs are no longer able to complete deals. While attention has largely focused on potential arrivals, speculation surrounding departures is beginning to raise bigger concerns at Anfield.
Among the players attracting interest are Cody Gakpo, who has reportedly emerged as a target for Tottenham Hotspur, and academy graduate Curtis Jones, who is believed to be on Inter Milan’s radar. Although neither player enjoyed an ideal campaign last season, allowing both to leave before suitable replacements are secured could create significant problems for new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Defensive concerns remain unresolved
Liverpool’s squad has already undergone major changes following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson at the end of their contracts.
At left-back, the Reds appear well covered. Milos Kerkez has already established himself in the starting lineup, while Kostas Tsimikas has returned after spending time on loan at Roma, giving Iraola enough depth in that position.
The situation is far less comfortable in central defence. Jeremy Jacquet has been brought in to help fill the gap left by Konate, but the 21-year-old is still developing and continues to work his way back to full fitness. Relying on him immediately for Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixtures would represent a considerable gamble.
Another young defender, Giovanni Leoni, is also recovering from injury. Although highly regarded, the 19-year-old is unlikely to shoulder the responsibility of replacing an experienced defender like Konate so early in his Liverpool career.
Further complicating matters, Joe Gomez suffered an injury during pre-season that is expected to keep him sidelined for at least another month. That leaves captain Virgil van Dijk as the only experienced central defender currently available without fitness concerns.
Because of those issues, strengthening the backline should be among Liverpool’s highest priorities. Ideally, Iraola would benefit from signing a defender capable of playing both centrally and at right-back, especially with Conor Bradley still unavailable through injury.
Attack still missing Salah’s replacement
Liverpool also remain without a direct successor to Mohamed Salah.
Victor Munoz has joined the club, but he naturally operates on the left wing rather than the right, making him an imperfect replacement for the Egyptian star.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola continues to be heavily linked with a move to Anfield. However, like Munoz, Barcola is more comfortable playing from the left, meaning adjustments would still be required across Liverpool’s front line if he were signed.
Even so, adding Barcola would at least provide Iraola with greater attacking depth. Until that deal is completed, however, Liverpool’s options remain limited.
Jones departure would leave another gap
Curtis Jones finds himself approaching the final year of his contract, and with ambitions of playing regularly, interest from elsewhere is understandable.
Liverpool could still receive a transfer fee by selling him now rather than risking losing him for nothing next summer. However, moving him on would leave another vacancy in midfield that the club would need to address before the transfer deadline.
Teenager Trey Nyoni is regarded as one of Liverpool’s brightest prospects, but placing too much responsibility on a 19-year-old would carry obvious risks.
Although Iraola has publicly praised Jones since arriving at the club, the midfielder has yet to produce convincing performances during pre-season.
Attention also turned to Jones after a heated exchange involving Dominik Szoboszlai and Kostas Tsimikas following Liverpool’s victory over Wrexham. The incident fuelled speculation among supporters that the academy graduate may no longer be fully settled at Anfield.
If Liverpool decide to cash in, they must first identify a suitable replacement, something that becomes increasingly difficult as the transfer window edges towards its closing stages.
Gakpo still offers valuable squad depth
Cody Gakpo has often divided opinion among Liverpool supporters, with critics questioning his ability to consistently influence matches when handed greater attacking responsibility.
Despite that criticism, his overall contribution remains respectable. Across 180 appearances, including 127 starts, the Dutch international has scored 50 goals and registered 21 assists.
While he may never establish himself as an automatic starter, Gakpo has repeatedly demonstrated that he can provide quality depth across multiple attacking positions.
Should Tottenham succeed in convincing him to leave, Liverpool would once again find themselves searching for another attacker.
With Barcola yet to arrive and several other areas of the squad still requiring reinforcement, replacing Gakpo would add further pressure to Liverpool’s recruitment team.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Liverpool face several important decisions. Offloading both Gakpo and Jones without first securing reliable alternatives could leave Iraola short of quality and depth at a time when the club is expected to compete for the Premier League title.
