Liverpool star ‘plans to leave’ after Arne Slot was let go
A Liverpool star is reportedly thinking about leaving the club after the sacking of Arne Slot. The Reds announced on Saturday that they had parted ways with Slot after his second season in charge.
Liverpool have now agreed to bring in Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, following his exit from Bournemouth. The Spanish coach is said to have signed a two-year deal and is expected to be introduced this week.
According to ESPN, one of Iraola’s top priorities is to strengthen the wings, with players like Bradley Barcola, Jarrod Bowen, and Yan Diomande all linked to moves to Anfield.
But the job of rebuilding might be bigger than expected. Dutch website SoccerNews.nl reports that Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo wants to leave the club because of Slot’s exit. Gakpo was one of Slot’s key players last season, starting 32 of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games, scoring seven goals, and providing five assists.
He signed a new long-term contract last summer and told the club’s website that he felt “at home” and that his family felt the same. However, it’s claimed that Gakpo doesn’t see a future at Liverpool without Slot as manager.
Bringing in new wingers could make it harder for Gakpo to keep his spot, although he often played as a centre forward last season when Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were unavailable.
Ekitike is expected to miss the start of the 2026/27 season due to a serious Achilles injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in March.
Gakpo’s contract gives Liverpool some strength in not having to rush a sale. The 27-year-old is reportedly the club’s third highest earner, making £250,000 a week. Only Isak and captain Virgil van Dijk earn more.
Several Liverpool players have shared their thoughts on Slot’s departure. Captain Van Dijk thanked him in an Instagram message, while Ekitike also posted a heartfelt thank-you, saying, “Thank you for everything you taught me and for the time you gave me on and off the pitch. I wish you all the very best, coach.”
Others like Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones also paid tribute.
In an interview with Dutch outlet NOS before the World Cup, Van Dijk revealed that Liverpool’s leaders hadn’t told him about Slot’s sacking. “I landed in Amsterdam on Saturday afternoon, and then it had already leaked,” he said. “After that, I had talks, but the decision was already made. They didn’t ask me for input.”
He added, “We live in a world where everyone wants to be the first to break the news. Those are the ones who benefit from it. That’s the reality.”
Van Dijk also said he spoke with Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, which mattered most to him. “I’m very grateful to them for everything they have done, not just for me but for the club. I wish them only success.”