Liverpool fans in total disbelief after hearing what club think of Cody Gakpo staying at club

Cody Gakpo is set to stay at Liverpool beyond the transfer deadline - and the club's reported reaction to keeping him has left fans in disbelief.

The Athletic reported on Saturday that Gakpo had chosen to join Manchester City before Tuesday's 11pm deadline, and that all parties were 'in talks to reach an agreement'.

Liverpool sealed a £123 million move to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday, before then ultimately deciding to reject City's advances for Gakpo.

The Netherlands international will therefore remain at Anfield in what will be a big boost for new head coach Andoni Iraola, who started him in Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

It will also be a boost to the dressing room as a whole, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk publicly stating that he wanted the club to keep hold of Gakpo following reports over his potential move to City.

"He's a quality player, I think we should keep quality players," Van Dijk said. "Let's see what the next few days bring.

"I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine. He's very important to us."

As it stands, the Reds do not appear to be closing in on another summer signing, having brought in three first-team players - Barcola, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo - during the window. Jeremy Jacquet, who agreed in January to join Liverpool from Rennes, officially moved to Anfield at the start of the summer window.

'Very happy...' - Fabrizio Romano on Liverpool's Gakpo reaction

Now, Fabrizio Romano has given more detail on the behind-the-scenes talks that led to Gakpo staying at the club and, given the relative lack of summer business compared to some of their rivals, one remark has left Liverpool fans baffled.

"Liverpool decided to keep Cody Gakpo, so they consider Gakpo as a signing," Romano said via his YouTube channel.

"Gakpo was very close, very close, to joining Manchester City. And now, to keep Gakpo and also Bradley Barcola, makes Liverpool management very happy and they are convinced the team is going to do very, very well."

When asked by host Kate Mason if Liverpool are 'happy' with their transfer window, Romano replied: "Yeah, they are. Absolutely."

"A player that was never sold... like a new signing. Only Liverpool Football Club," one fan wrote in response.

"Yeno how crazy this window has been, we're signing players from ourselves to bring in new players," another joked.

"Crazy really. Not sure how we could be 'absolutely happy' with our transfer window. Squad still has so many deficiencies," a third added.

While a fourth agreed: "I'm delighted Gakpo is staying, especially after City came calling. But using that to dress up a window that still hasn't addressed DM, RB or squad depth is ridiculous."