Liverpool could use Cody Gakpo in stunning swap deal for top target

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo could reportedly be used as a makeweight as the Reds look to secure the transfer of a highly-rated star this summer.

Despite the 2025/26 Premier League campaign concluding just over two weeks ago, the summer has already brought widespread changes at Anfield.

On May 30, Arne Slot was relieved of his duties as head coach, having guided Liverpool to a disappointing fifth-place finish last term despite winning the Premier League in his maiden campaign.

He has since been succeeded by former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, with the Spaniard expected to link up with several Cherries stars. Eli Junior Kroupi, Adrian Truffert, Rayan and Alex Scott have all been linked with potential moves to Merseyside once the transfer window opens on June 15.

Meanwhile, several players are expected to leave, with Mohamed Salah's contract due to expire later this month.

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Federico Chiesa may also move on. Andrew Robertson's move to Spurs has already been confirmed, and now it looks like Gakpo could also leave Anfield after three seasons.

Gakpo arrived at Liverpool in December 2022 following an impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands in Qatar. Since then, he has registered 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances, helping the club win the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

Gakpo attracting interest in Europe

Despite his respectable numbers, Gakpo has never really been one of the main men in Liverpool's forward line, with reports from TEAMtalk now suggesting he could be part of a potential swap deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

The Ivorian winger is contracted to the Bundesliga side until 2030, with Liverpool reportedly in the "strongest position" to sign him, according to The Athletic.

However, his current club has maintained that he is not for sale, and it would take a bid in excess of £112.4 million for that stance to change.

Now, TEAMtalk's sources claim that Gakpo could be used as leverage during further negotiations, despite Liverpool not actively seeking a sale of the Dutchman.

Gakpo, who is contracted to Liverpool until 2030, is said to be concerned about his role under Iraola and does not want to fall behind 17-year-old starlet Rio Ngumoha in the pecking order.

The former PSV forward has reportedly made his position clear to the club and is not willing to accept reduced minutes.

Bayern Munich reportedly made an approach for the 27-year-old last summer, while Spurs, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also said to be interested.

Turkish clubs Besiktas and Fenerbahce are also reportedly monitoring Gakpo's situation.