Liverpool have accumulated a combined summer spending spree of over £400m with the retention of one of their key attackers.
Cody Gakpo has confirmed he turned down interest from Bayern Munich to extend his contract at Anfield for another two and half years, sending a clear signal of his commitment to the club.
Speaking to ESPN, whilst on international duty the Dutch international explained why staying in Liverpool was always his preferred option, despite Bayern making an approach earlier in the summer.
“From what I understand, they did come, but they ended up buying Luis Diaz,” Gakpo said with a grin.
While Diaz left the Premier League champions for Bayern in a £65.5 million deal, Gakpo made it clear he wanted to remain at Anfield. The Netherlands winger admitted that foreign interest “left him cold,” and his priority was always to stay in England.
“I already told the club that I’m happy and that my family is happy in England. We feel at home, and I think that’s very important, besides the football itself,” he added.
Securing the former PSV attacker until 2028 strengthens Liverpool’s attacking options following Diaz’s departure. The move also highlights the club’s approach of combining heavy summer investment, including signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, with the retention of proven performers. Since arriving in January 2023, Gakpo has delivered consistently, registering at least 20 goal contributions in each of his first two full seasons.
And the former PSV striker revealed that it took nearly a year to finalise the details of the contract that will see him remain on Merseyside until at least 2028.
“If the future is uncertain, then it will just be a very difficult story, It took us a year, maybe longer, but it’s a long process. I’m happy here, and that’s what matters.”
He also reflected on the challenges of the busy summer transfer window:
“A transfer window like this can be very hectic. If the future is uncertain, then it just becomes a very difficult story.” Gakpo said.
Gakpo’s versatility across the front three makes him a key figure for Arne Slot as Liverpool aim to defend their Premier League title. Locking him down long-term ensures stability in attack while allowing new arrivals to integrate smoothly.
Looking ahead, the left winger is expected to feature for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side when they face Poland in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday night in Rotterdam. His presence for both club and country underscores his value and consistency at the highest level.
With Bayern’s interest concluded and Gakpo secured for the long term, Liverpool can now look forward to several more years of No.18 playing a central role in their attack, combining creativity and reliability to complement a squad already boosted by more than £400m in summer signings.
