Andoni Iraola confirms Liverpool transfer stance after failed €100m deal

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has admitted his delight at the failure of Cody Gakpo’s proposed €100 million summer move to Manchester City.

The Netherlands attacker was earmarked as a late target by Enzo Maresca’s side and it’s understood that he was eager to secure an Etihad Stadium switch following Liverpool’s decision to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.

Current ETV

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

€50.4M

ETV Range

€45.3M - €55.4M

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Liverpool were initially open to offloading Gakpo if their €100m valuation was met, although the deal was contingent on the club finding a replacement, with Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) regarded as their two top candidates for the role.

Eventually, the Reds were unable to finalise a deal for either player and they abruptly cancelled talks with Man City over Gakpo, with the eight-time Premier League champions quickly pivoting their attention to signing Everton star Iliman Ndiaye instead.

It remains to be seen where Gakpo fits in at Anfield this season, given Barcola and Rio Ngumoha are both options on the left flank, but Iraola has confirmed that the Dutchman’s failed move to Man City is good news for Liverpool.

Andoni Iraola confirms Cody Gakpo transfer stance

“My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning," Iraola told reporters during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash versus Ipswich Town on Friday night.

“He has performed very well for us in all of the pre-season games and in all of the [Premier League] games, he scored on the first day and [provided an] assist in the next one.

“He was always aware of the situation in the market. We were constantly talking with each other. He is playing very well and I hope we can keep him at the same level. He is in a good place physically and mentally, and I am very happy to keep Cody because, for me, he is a very valuable player.”

Gakpo, who has 51 goals in 182 games for Liverpool, still has four years remaining on his current contract at Anfield, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €50.4m.