Liverpool legend gives blunt response to late transfer decision

Mark Lawrenson doesn’t think Liverpool will miss Cody Gakpo if he leaves before the end of the transfer window.

The Reds icon was speaking after head coach Andoni Iraola said he ‘couldn’t guarantee’ Gakpo would stay at Anfield.

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Gakpo has been linked with Tottenham and, more recently, Manchester City.

The Netherlands winger impressed in Liverpool‘s season-opening 2-2 draw away to Newcastle last weekend, scoring the Reds’ first equaliser at St. James’ Park.

But that’s not to see he won’t have a new club this time next week, with the window closing on Tuesday, September 1.

Iraola ‘doesn’t know what’s going to happen’

Speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s first home game of the campaign against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Iraola said of Gakpo: “I can say what I said last week, and even after the performance he had in the first game.

“He is playing very well for us. He has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and after the holidays, a good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because he has been very influential.

“When the market is open you cannot guarantee anything with anyone. When I arrived I would like to know how the market finishes and then when you finish with this one and this one, but I don’t know what is going to happen with any of our players. I cannot guarantee anything.

“You think I can smell who we are going to sign or what position, but experience shows you that, if there is an opportunity on the last day [of the transfer window], let’s take it.”

Gakpo out, Barcola in?

Selling Gakpo could pave the way for Liverpool to sign Bradley Barcola.

The Reds have been linked with the Paris Saint-Germain winger throughout the summer, and talkSPORT understands the two clubs are finalising a deal worth at least £100million.

With both players preferring to play on the left, Liverpool would realistically be unable to accommodate both in any case.

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But Lawrenson isn’t worried about the prospect of Gakpo moving on.

Asked by Alan Brazil on talkSPORT Breakfast if Gakpo leaving would come as a blow, the former Republic of Ireland international said: “No, I don’t think so. I think they could cover for him.

“My worry is defensively. You’ve got to shut the back door and then let the guys go and play.

“But I’m just looking forward to the way that they’re going to play as much as anything.”

Liverpool’s transfer window so far

Liverpool have made three signings this summer, with Victor Munoz the sole attacking addition.

That’s after they bid farewell to club legend Mohamed Salah, who left at the end of his contract after a glittering nine years on Merseyside and his since joined Trabzonspor.