Liverpool have a brand-new, shiny toy in Cody Gakpo, but his arrival may mark a changing of the guard at Anfield, with five players in danger.
Liverpool’s £37million capture of Cody Gakpo is bound to add to the momentum of the club’s resurgence after a nightmare start to the season. The Reds are growing increasingly favoured for a Premier League top-four spot, and the addition of one of Europe’s hottest forwards should act as a rocket boost.
Liverpool have signed Cody Gakpo for £37m.
However, Gakpo has arrived on Merseyside to make an immediate and long-term impact, which could spell bad news for a selection of players hoping for a prominent role in Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
And in some cases, the 23-year-old’s presence among Klopp’s ranks will likely mark the end of Liverpool stars’ contribution to the club’s joyous era under his watch.
Express Sport identifies three players for whom Gakpo’s arrival could spell bad news and a duo who could be staring at the face of a permanent Anfield exit.
Bad news?
Fabio Carvalho
Fabio Carvalho would’ve expected a bit-part role in his first season at Liverpool after joining from Fulham in the summer. But the 20-year-old has made 17 appearances and featured in 11 of 15 Premier League games.
That said, Gakpo’s arrival will limit his opportunities in the front three and could force him to redevelop into one of the advanced midfielders in Klopp’s 4-3-3.
Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones’ Liverpool future has been in doubt as it is, making just four league appearances this season, and Gakpo interestingly doesn’t help his prospects of minutes.
The 21-year-old was a left-winger in Liverpool’s academy and may have hoped for an opportunity to return, with Klopp eyeing marquee midfield additions, but there’s little chance of that happening now.
Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz ended last season as Liverpool’s nailed-on first-choice left-winger after arriving at Anfield in the same manner as Gakpo.
But Darwin Nunez and Gakpo now pose two serious threats to his status, and he faces a fight once he returns from injury.
Liverpool transfer news: Cody Gakpo in could mean Roberto Firmino out.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is certain to leave Liverpool when his contract expires this summer, ending a frustrating spell as an outcast in Klopp’s thinking.
However, he could push for a January exit, with minutes in attack now even less likely. Regardless, he is entering the final six months of his Anfield stay.
Source: Express.co.uk
