Exclusive: Liverpool to respond to Bayern Munich by agreeing Cody Gakpo deal

Arne Slot is more likely to offer Cody Gakpo a new contract at Liverpool rather than selling him to Bayern Munich, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Bayern‘s “surprise” interest in Gakpo this summer.

Gakpo produced 25 goal contributions across all competitions in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, and Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Bayern are keen on Gakpo if he’s allowed to leave Anfield.

The Dutchman is one of several Liverpool forwards with an uncertain future with the summer transfer window open, and Bayern could make a move for the 26-year-old after they missed out on Florian Wirtz.

However, sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool will be in no mood to sell one of Arne Slot‘s “favourites” this summer after his form and versatility, and it’s more likely that he’ll be given a new deal.

Football Insider sources have said that Gakpo is still on the same terms he signed upon arrival from PSV in late 2022, and Liverpool now want to tie him down long-term despite his contract running until 2028.

New Liverpool contract on the table to prevent Gakpo transfer

Football Insider revealed on 30 May that Bayern and Leroy Sane are currently locked in talks over a new deal for the German international, and their pursuit of Gakpo is likely to end if he does extend his stay.

Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that Slot will do all he can to prevent Gakpo leaving Anfield this summer, as Liverpool’s number 18 enters the peak years of his career with the Reds.

“I’d be very surprised if Liverpool would even entertain any offers for Cody Gakpo”, he told Football Insider.

“We know Bayern Munich were also in the race for Florian Wirtz – it looks like they’ve missed out on him to Liverpool – and are looking at other attacking reinforcements.

“I think a lot will depend on Leroy Sane as well; if he ends up signing a new contract at Bayern Munich, I don’t imagine they would push ahead to try and sign Gakpo.

“Gakpo is a big favourite of Arne Slot and did a really good job last season. He got 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions, and at 26, I think he’s coming to the peak of his career.

“We’ve seen what he can do for Liverpool on a regular basis – I don’t think that Liverpool would even consider selling him to Bayern.

“The most likely scenario might be that Gakpo gets a new contract at Liverpool. He obviously signed two and a half seasons ago from PSV, and still on the same terms as that one I would imagine.

“Although he’s still got three years to run on that deal, Liverpool will maybe sit down with him at some point to discuss a new deal, to sort out his future and end any speculation over a move away.

“It’s more likely that Liverpool will look to keep Gakpo rather than even consider selling him, despite these links with Bayern Munich.”

Bayern Munich’s level of interest in Gakpo will be determined by Leroy Sane’s future

Gakpo to play key role in new-look Liverpool team

Liverpool haven’t got their record-breaking deal for Wirtz over the line yet, but are in pole position to complete the transfer after Bayern “dropped the ball” in their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker.

Bayern look set to miss out on Gakpo too if Liverpool adhere to Slot’s wishes and retain him well beyond this summer, with Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota far likelier to leave Anfield in the current window.

Both Wirtz and potentially Rayan Cherki’s arrivals on Merseyside would give Slot a brand-new frontline to build on last season’s Premier League success, but Gakpo will still be front and centre to play his part for Liverpool.

‘Man City have just done FIFA a big favour with double deal close’

Man City are set to take advantage of the early transfer window by wrapping up a marquee pair of deals in the coming days.

It has been widely reported that AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri are set to join Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The window is open from 1 June to 10 June to allow for an exceptional registration period ahead of the new-look Club World Cup.

Man City will face Wydad AC, Al Ain and Juventus in the group stage of the competition – which will pay a total of £97million in prize money to the eventual winner.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has suggested City are doing Fifa a big favour.

Wolves, Rayan Ait-N

Man City double deal will help F

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted participating clubs signing new players will draw more eyes to the struggling new Club World Cup.

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The competition is faltering with venues struggling to sell out tickets, while Fifa also faced a fight to sell TV rights for games.

Wyness claimed Fifa will be “pulling any trick they can” to get eyes on the tournament before the big kick-off on 14 June.