Liverpool prepared to kick unthinkable player out of club and replace him this summer

Liverpool are preparing to make big changes in the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Reds have been unable to mount a meaningful Premier League title defence in 2025-26 and currently sit in fourth place with two matches remaining.

12 months on from title celebrations at Anfield, Arne Slot and Liverpool are a long way short of expectations this season despite investing heavily in their playing personnel.

For reasons various, bringing Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz into the club hasn't yet had the desired effect.

One consequence of that is that there is a clear need to rebuild in the transfer window and a key player in their title-winning team could be top of the list of possible departures.

Dutch forward Cody Gakpo scored 10 times in the Premier League as Liverpool bagged the title in 2024-25, Slot's first season at the club.

But Gakpo has struggled for form this season and Slot is reportedly open to the sale of his compatriot.

"The Dutchman has endured a torrid campaign at Anfield. He’s struck up zero understanding with Milos Kerkez down the left, looks painfully predictable in attack, and at times, has kept the electric Rio Ngumoha out of the eleven," reports TEAMtalk.

"There’ll be mass change on the wings this summer, with Mohamed Salah leaving and Federico Chiesa having genuine chances to return to Italy. But according to our insider, Graeme Bailey, Gakpo too could be moved on."

It's understood that Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche are in the frame but bringing in one fresh winger instead of two "could hinge on finding a buyer for Gakpo' first.

West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen is another player reported to be of interest to the Premier League champions.

Gakpo's Liverpool future is in doubt after a subpar season

The 27-year-old has been a reliable performer for much of his time on Merseyside since signing for Liverpool from PSV in 2023.

He has scored 50 goals for the Reds in all competitions, helping them to a Carabao Cup win as well as last season's famous league title.

Though he's been able to stay among the goals this year, his overall performances have been widely criticised even in the context of a disappointing collective campaign.

Liverpool's remaining fixtures as they push to confirm a Champions League place will be against Europa League finalists Aston Villa on Friday night and Brentford on the final day.