Cody Gakpo scored twice for the Netherlands against Sweden this week, but when asked about the difference between his role for his country and at Liverpool, he stopped short of giving a full answer. "It's different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have," he said, before cutting himself off. The 27-year-old forward's hesitation comes as Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m, a winger who primarily plays down the left — Gakpo's preferred position. The Reds have also expressed interest in a package worth £86m for RB Leipzig's 19-year-old forward Yan Diomande, who can play on both wings. Gakpo was a key figure in Liverpool's title-winning campaign under Arne Slot in 2024-25, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 49 games, which earned him a long-term contract last summer. But last season his numbers dropped to nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances, and his link-up with left-back Milos Kerkez needed work. Kerkez is now reunited with his former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who will expect the Hungary international to accelerate his development. Gakpo remains a proven Premier League attacker, according to Liverpool, and his versatility could prove valuable given Hugo Ekitike is out until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles. But with Mohamed Salah's departure, at least one more attacking signing is expected, and the pursuit of Diomande is heating up. Teenager Rio Ngumoha is set for a bigger role, and Florian Wirtz, who played off the left for Liverpool last season, is featuring there for Germany at the World Cup. Iraola's view on Wirtz's best position may well determine Gakpo's future at Anfield.
Meanwhile, at Tottenham, Lucas Bergvall is facing his own uncertain future. The 20-year-old Sweden international is exploring options away from the club after limited minutes at the end of last season under Roberto de Zerbi, often deployed out of his preferred 'number six' position. Bergvall played 33 matches for Spurs last season but missed two months after ankle surgery. Tottenham are targeting an additional midfielder and have made an offer of about £80m for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, which was rejected. Bergvall's representatives have held talks with Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, although Chelsea are no longer interested after briefly exploring a move in January. Bergvall is at the World Cup and featured in Sweden's 5-1 defeat by the Netherlands in Houston on Saturday.
“Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future uncertain after new signings, while Spurs' Lucas Bergvall explores options away.”