Gakpo Seeks Exit as Slot Departs: Atletico Madrid Circle Liverpool Winger

Cody Gakpo has made his move. The Liverpool winger has lodged a transfer request in the wake of Arne Slot's departure from Anfield, according to reports from Dutch media, signalling he sees no path forward at the club without the man who brought him in.

The 26-year-old arrived at Liverpool in January 2022 for an initial fee of £37m and has since become a fixture in the Reds' attack, amassing 50 goals and 23 assists across 180 appearances. Last season proved particularly productive, with 15 goal contributions in the Premier League as Liverpool claimed the title under Slot's stewardship in his first year in charge.

This campaign, however, has been a different story entirely. Liverpool's defence of their crown crumbled spectacularly, finishing fifth, and Slot has paid the price with the sack. His replacement, Andoni Iraola, now inherits a squad in need of significant overhaul—and it appears Gakpo has already decided he won't be part of it.

The winger endured a difficult season by his own standards, becoming an easy target for sections of the fanbase who questioned Slot's continued faith in him, particularly when teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha remained on the sidelines. That loyalty from the manager, which even extended to handing Gakpo a £250,000-per-week contract through June 2030 last year, now counts for little with Slot gone.

Atletico Circle the Opportunity

Atletico Madrid have emerged as genuine suitors, eyeing Gakpo as a potential successor to Antoine Griezmann, who is heading to MLS outfit Orlando City following the expiration of his La Liga contract. The Spanish outfit are said to have "ears for a collaboration," though any deal would require substantial investment—Transfermarkt values Gakpo at €60m (£52m)—and negotiations would prove complex.

Liverpool, meanwhile, appear resigned to his departure. Despite Slot's previous faith in the winger, the club are understood to be open to selling him this summer, with his request to leave set to be granted rather than blocked. This comes as Mohamed Salah is also departing, leaving the Reds scrambling to freshen up their attacking options.

Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano suggested back in March that Liverpool would be busy in the market for wingers, noting the club needed to "add something fresh in that position" regardless of how events unfolded with their established attacking talents. With Gakpo now heading for the exit, that necessity has only become more acute.