Bayern eye Liverpool star after missing out on Wirtz | OneFootball

Liverpool Win Wirtz Race but Face Bayern Threat Over Gakpo

Liverpool’s impending capture of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen has underlined the club’s intent to evolve under Arne Slot. Yet even as one rising star prepares to arrive at Anfield, another could be prised away. According to reports in Germany, Bayern Munich are now eyeing up Cody Gakpo as they prepare for a bold summer of rebuilding under Vincent Kompany.

Bayern Turn Focus to Gakpo and Mitoma

Wirtz had been top of Bayern’s wish list but the attacking midfielder now looks set to join Liverpool instead. In response, Kompany’s side are reportedly shifting their attention to wide forwards – with Gakpo and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma now emerging as leading candidates.

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Journalist Christian Falk claims that both are high on Bayern’s radar. The German giants are looking to add pace and creativity in wide areas and could test Liverpool’s resolve with a formal offer for Gakpo.

The Reds are not actively looking to sell the Dutchman, but reports suggest a fee of around €60 million (£50.5 million) could trigger talks. If that valuation is met, Gakpo would become Liverpool’s second significant departure of the summer, following goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s expected move to Brentford.

Gakpo’s Role Under Slot

While Gakpo is not a guaranteed starter under Slot, his contribution has been considerable. The versatile forward notched 18 goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, often stepping up in big moments.

He remains a key cog in Slot’s high-energy system and the club are in no rush to lose a player whose contract runs until 2028. Any decision would hinge on the size of the offer and the wider implications for Liverpool’s attacking depth.

Transfer Dominoes and Summer Watch

Interest in Gakpo comes amid speculation around other Liverpool stars too. Luis Díaz is attracting attention from both Saudi Arabia and Barcelona, and Slot is said to be unwilling to sanction the exits of both wingers in the same window.

As for Mitoma, the Japan international has been of interest to Bayern for some time. He was subject to a £54 million bid from Saudi side Al-Nassr in January, which Brighton rejected. Bayern’s lure as a European powerhouse could yet prove decisive.

Van Bommel Backs Gakpo Move

Former Bayern and Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel believes Gakpo would thrive in Munich.

“Cody is doing very well for Liverpool and also for our national team,” Van Bommel told Bild.“He’s a very fast winger who performs brilliantly on his own. What’s special is that he’s also a very good finisher. He’s a real goal threat. In addition to his footballing qualities, Gakpo is Dutch – and Dutch players have always been good at Bayern.”

Bayern are expected to invest heavily in reshaping their squad this summer, but Liverpool will not be bullied into letting Gakpo go cheaply. With Arne Slot looking to build something long-term at Anfield, holding onto elite talent like Gakpo will be just as crucial as signing new ones.