Virgil van Dijk has underlined the importance of Cody Gakpo to Liverpool, insisting that the Dutch forward remains a key part of the club’s plans despite his unsuccessful attempt to leave Anfield for Manchester City during the final days of the transfer window.
Gakpo’s future became one of the major talking points as the transfer deadline approached. The Netherlands international had been linked with a move away from Liverpool, with Tottenham Hotspur initially believed to be interested in securing his services. However, Manchester City eventually emerged as a stronger contender and appeared to move ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race for the forward.
Reports suggested that Gakpo was open to joining City and had even given his approval to a potential transfer to the Etihad Stadium. With the player apparently willing to make the move, the deal seemed increasingly possible. Nevertheless, the transfer ultimately failed to materialise before the deadline.
There were several factors behind the collapse of the proposed switch. One of the most significant issues was Liverpool’s difficulty in finding an appropriate replacement. The club was unwilling to allow an important attacking option to leave without having sufficient cover available, particularly at such a late stage of the transfer window.
Looking back at the opening weeks of the season, Liverpool may now be particularly pleased that Gakpo remained at the club. The Dutchman has already demonstrated how valuable he can be to the team, making a significant contribution to the Reds’ strong start.
Gakpo began the campaign in impressive fashion by scoring on the opening day of the season. He then continued to influence games from an attacking perspective, providing an assist in Liverpool’s match against Nottingham Forest. His performances have suggested that he remains capable of producing important moments even when he is not directly involved in scoring.
His combination with new signing Alexander Isak has also attracted considerable attention. During Liverpool’s meeting with Ipswich on Friday evening, Gakpo played an important role in helping Isak settle into his new surroundings. The Dutch forward provided the Swedish striker with two assists, underlining the attacking understanding that could develop between the pair.
Following the match, Van Dijk was asked about Gakpo’s importance to Liverpool. The Liverpool captain was emphatic in his response, making it clear that he believes his international teammate will remain an important figure throughout the season.
Van Dijk explained that he had already made his position clear before the transfer window closed. In his view, Gakpo was an important player for Liverpool and would continue to be so during the current campaign. The defender also highlighted the forward’s recent contributions, pointing to his assists and performances over the past few seasons.
For Van Dijk, Gakpo’s importance is not simply based on one or two recent performances. The forward has gradually established himself as a useful attacking option capable of playing in different roles. His ability to contribute goals, create chances and combine with other forwards gives Liverpool additional flexibility in the final third.
Manager Andoni Iraola has also made it clear that he has no concerns about Gakpo’s attitude or commitment. While the player was aware that there was interest in him during the transfer window, Iraola suggested that their communication remained open and honest throughout the process.
Speaking before Liverpool’s trip to Portman Road, the manager explained that he had maintained a straightforward relationship with Gakpo from the beginning. According to Iraola, the forward had continued to perform at a high level despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
The Liverpool boss also expressed his satisfaction with Gakpo’s physical and mental condition. Rather than allowing transfer speculation to affect his performances, the player has apparently remained focused and ready to contribute whenever selected.
Iraola’s comments are significant because they suggest that there is no major disagreement between the player and the club following the failed transfer. Although Gakpo was reportedly interested in the possibility of joining Manchester City, he now appears fully prepared to continue his career at Liverpool.
For Liverpool supporters, that could be particularly encouraging. Gakpo’s decision to remain at Anfield means the club retains another experienced attacking player who can provide goals and assists while also offering tactical flexibility.
His growing relationship with Isak could become even more important as the season progresses. Isak arrived at Liverpool with significant expectations, and developing a strong understanding with his new teammates will be essential if he is to make a major impact.
Gakpo appears to have already developed a promising connection with the Swedish striker. Their combination against Ipswich produced two assists for Isak, suggesting that they could complement each other effectively. If their chemistry continues to improve, Liverpool could benefit from a highly productive attacking partnership.
Isak himself was asked about his developing relationship with Gakpo and appeared confident that there was plenty of room for further progress. He explained that attacking players naturally spend a great deal of time training together, allowing them to understand each other’s movements and preferences.
The Swedish striker also joked about the assists he had received, suggesting that Gakpo now owes him a few assists in return. His light-hearted comment reflected the positive atmosphere surrounding their partnership and hinted at the possibility of the two forwards regularly creating opportunities for one another.
Gakpo’s future now appears considerably clearer. Unless circumstances change dramatically, he is expected to remain with Liverpool at least until the January transfer window. The failed move to Manchester City may therefore become little more than an interesting episode from the summer, particularly if he continues to play a central role in Iraola’s plans.
For Liverpool, keeping Gakpo could prove to be a major benefit. The club has undergone significant changes to its squad, and maintaining experienced players who understand the demands of Premier League football provides valuable stability.
There is also the possibility that Gakpo could become even more influential as the season develops. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, including domestic and European competitions, Iraola will need a deep squad capable of dealing with a demanding schedule. A versatile forward such as Gakpo gives the manager another option when rotating his attacking players.
The forward’s recent performances also suggest that the failed transfer has not affected his professionalism. Rather than allowing the uncertainty over his future to distract him, Gakpo has responded positively on the pitch.
Van Dijk’s comments therefore provide a strong indication of how highly Gakpo is regarded inside the Liverpool dressing room. The captain’s belief that his compatriot will remain important this season is supported by Gakpo’s early contributions.
With his goals, assists and growing understanding with Isak, the Dutchman has already given Liverpool reasons to believe that keeping him was the right decision. What initially appeared to be a frustrating transfer failure could ultimately work in the club’s favour.
For now, Liverpool fans can look forward to seeing more of Gakpo in a red shirt. If his partnership with Isak continues to develop and he maintains his current level of performance, he could play a decisive role in Liverpool’s ambitions this season.
The Manchester City move may have fallen through, but Gakpo has quickly demonstrated why Liverpool were reluctant to let him leave without securing a replacement. His early-season performances have reinforced Van Dijk’s assessment: the Dutch forward remains a valuable member of the squad and could be one of the key players in Liverpool’s campaign.
