Liverpool F.C. Winger Cody Gakpo will stay at the club after a deadline day transfer to Manchester City collapsed. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the 27-year-old remains an option for the starting eleven ahead of Friday's Premier League match against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
The Reds sit 6th in the Premier League with 5 points from three games, their recent form reading WDD. They have scored 6 goals and conceded 4, leaving them with a +2 goal difference and four points behind leaders Manchester City. Their next fixture is at home to Fulham on September 12th.
Cody Gakpo was nearly part of a dramatic deadline day move to Manchester City, but the deal was canceled at the last minute. Tottenham Hotspur were also reportedly interested in acquiring the Dutch international. Gakpo has started on the left wing in Liverpool's first two league matches this season, contributing a goal and an assist. His performances in the 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, both secured with late goals, demonstrated his value to the side.
Iraola addressed the situation directly with reporters a day before the Ipswich fixture. "My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning," the manager said. "He has played very well for us so far." He added that Gakpo was kept informed throughout the process, stating, "He was always aware of the situation in the market. We were constantly talking. I hope we can keep him at the same level."
With the transfer window closed, Gakpo's immediate future is at Anfield. He is expected to retain his place in the attack, which could see competition from new signing Bradley Barcola, who may be available for selection against Ipswich. The expected lineup for that match shows Gakpo starting in a front three alongside Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz, with Alexsander Isak leading the line.
Liverpool's defense has been identified as an area of concern, having conceded four goals in the opening two fixtures. The expected back four against Ipswich includes Jeremie Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil Van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez protecting goalkeeper Alisson. The midfield is set to feature Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
This Matchday 3 clash marks a return to Portman Road for Liverpool, who last played there in August 2024. Ipswich Town's last victory over the Reds dates back to December 2000 at Anfield. The Tractor Boys are expected to line up with Kjell Scherpen in goal and a defense containing Dara O'Shea, Issa Diop, Jacob Greaves, and Leif Davis. Their attack will likely feature Chuba Akpom supported by Abdul Fatawu, Julio Enciso, and Daizen Maeda.
Andoni Iraola brings a 20-game unbeaten run as Liverpool manager into this fixture. Before joining Liverpool, he guided Bournemouth to an 18-game unbeaten run to finish a season, securing European qualification for the club for the first time ever. Maintaining that unbeaten streak is a priority as Liverpool look to close the gap at the top of the standings.
The focus now shifts to consolidating their league position. After facing Ipswich, Liverpool host 19th-placed Fulham at Anfield. Fans can track the team's progress through the fixtures list as the 2026-27 campaign continues.
