Cody Gakpo delivered a timely display of his quality at the FIFA World Cup, netting twice for Netherlands against Sweden — yet his future at Liverpool is far from certain as the club pursues significant attacking reinforcements this summer.

After the 5-1 victory over Sweden, Gakpo was asked about the difference between his roles for club and country. "It's different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have," he said, choosing to leave it at that.

New arrivals raising questions

Liverpool have already signed winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m, a player who primarily operates down the left — Gakpo's preferred position. The club have also submitted a package worth £86m to RB Leipzig for 19-year-old forward Yan Diomande, who is capable of playing on both wings.

The potential arrival of both players inevitably raises questions about where the 27-year-old fits into manager Andoni Iraola's plans at Anfield going forward.

Gakpo's record at Liverpool

Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in December 2022 for an initial £35m fee. In the title-winning 2024-25 season under Arne Slot, he contributed 18 goals and seven assists across 49 appearances, earning himself a long-term contract at the club.

Last season, however, his output dropped to nine goals and six assists in 52 matches — a dip that will not have gone unnoticed. He was not the only Liverpool player to underperform in a difficult campaign, but he will be aware that those numbers must rise.

With 50 goals in 180 appearances, Gakpo is only the second Dutchman after Dirk Kuyt to reach that milestone for Liverpool. The club still regard him as a proven Premier League attacker who can fulfil multiple roles — an important quality given that Hugo Ekitike could be sidelined until 2027 following a ruptured Achilles.

Competition from Wirtz and beyond

Florian Wirtz played on the left for Liverpool at times last season and is featuring in that role for Germany at the World Cup. How Iraola envisions Wirtz's best position may well shape the outlook for Gakpo in the season ahead.

Talented youngster Rio Ngumoha is also expected to take on a greater role, and the departure of Mohamed Salah means at least one more attacking signing is anticipated at Anfield this summer.

Added competition has not always hindered Gakpo — his partnership with Luis Diaz at Liverpool showed he can thrive when pushed. His combination with left-back Milos Kerkez also improved as last season progressed, and with Kerkez now working under Iraola — who previously managed him at Bournemouth — further development is expected.

Transfer speculation grows

For the first time since his arrival at Anfield, a departure is a genuine possibility. A number of clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, are understood to be monitoring Gakpo's situation. Any transfer fee would likely exceed £60m, representing a substantial profit on the £35m Liverpool originally paid.

At the World Cup, Gakpo has been sharp. His first goal against Sweden was a composed back-post finish; his second a trademark cut in from the left, drilled home with his right foot. He has now scored five goals in seven World Cup appearances across the 2022 and current tournaments, and has 23 goals in 52 international caps overall.

Netherlands and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk left no doubt about his view of the forward after the Sweden win. "He is an outstanding footballer," van Dijk said. "He works so hard for the team, he's disciplined and his quality stands out — his crosses, his assists, his goals."

Off the pitch, Gakpo plays an equally influential role within the Netherlands squad. "Cody is our pastor — he leads the prayers," said Crysencio Summerville.

Continued excellence at the World Cup may strengthen Liverpool's resolve to keep him. One only has to consider the early struggles of new signings like Isak and Wirtz to appreciate how difficult it is to hit the ground running at Anfield. Even so, with the attack being reshaped around Iraola's vision, Gakpo's place in the picture remains one of the defining storylines of Liverpool's summer.