Bayern’s Bold Pursuit: Is Cody Gakpo the £60m Answer?
Bayern Munich have once again set their sights on a potent addition for their attack — and this time, it’s Liverpool’s versatile forward Cody Gakpo making headlines in Bavaria. Here’s why the Dutchman’s name keeps resurfacing, and what it all means.
Interest Heats Up… Again
Reports from OneFootball and German journalist Florian Plettenberg suggest that Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has held contact with Gakpo’s camp, marking him as a serious option as the club looks to rejuvenate its flank options.(CF Bayern Insider)
Valuation: Could Bayern Meet Liverpool’s Demand?
Here’s where the numbers matter. Spanish outlet Fichajes claimed Bayern were considering a bold €90 million (~£77m) bid for the Dutch star.(TheHardTackle.com) In more refined terms, Tribuna.com confirmed talks were ongoing but noted that both Gakpo and Rafael Leão would demand transfers exceeding €70 million.(tribuna.com) Empire of the Kop added context, revealing Liverpool have set a lofty valuation of €100m (~£84m), though it’s possible Bayern might negotiate in the €70m–€80m (≈£59m–£67m) range.(The Empire of The Kop)
Gakpo Speaks — but Keeps His Feet Firmly at Anfield
Interestingly, Gakpo himself played down any speculation. Ahead of a Netherlands international match, he stated: “I haven’t heard anything about it myself… I’m closing myself off from it. Maybe my agent has heard something, but I’m focusing on myself.”(The Empire of The Kop, Sports Mole)
Yet developments suggest otherwise. As of September 4, 2025, Gakpo confirmed Bayern indeed made an approach over the summer — though that window ultimately led to Bayern signing Luis Díaz, and Gakpo instead secured a new long-term contract with Liverpool through 2030. He emphasized feeling “at home” in England.(thisisanfield.com)
The Logic Behind Bayern’s Interest
Bayern’s flurry of winger targets — including Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola, Kaoru Mitoma, and Rafael Leão — shows a clear intention to upgrade, especially amid uncertainty over Leroy Sané’s future.(Diario AS, CaughtOffside, Bavarian Football Works) Gakpo, with his ability to play across the frontline and proven contributions (18 goals and six assists in 49 appearances last season), fits the bill.(tribuna.com) Additionally, Bild labeled him a “personal favourite” of Eberl, suggesting the interest remains more than a passing fancy.(CF Bayern Insider)
Liverpool’s Response: Stand Firm or Cash In?
Internally, sources believe Liverpool are more inclined to keep Gakpo and even reward him with a new contract, rather than immediately cash in.(Football Insider, thisisanfield.com) With Arne Slot’s system revitalizing Gakpo’s career and making him indispensable, any departure seems unlikely — unless a jaw‑dropping offer arrives.
Conclusion: A Transfer Too Far — or Just Out of Reach?
So, is Bayern pushing hard? Absolutely — amid a crowded market, Gakpo stands out as an elite, multifaceted talent. And while the talk hovers around the £60m mark, Liverpool’s firm stance and Gakpo’s renewed contract suggest Bayern will need to weigh their next moves carefully.
For now, the Dutch winger remains a Red — at least until the next window rolls around.
- Bavarian Football Works
- Bavarian Football Works
