Cody Gakpo sends message to Arne Slot as Liverpool linked with France star at Euro 2024

It’s not long until the new 2024/25 season is upon us, with just a few weeks until new Liverpool boss Arne Slot meets his players for pre-season.

Before that, there is news from both the transfer window and the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament. More Liverpool players are in action, with Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo in action for the Netherlands against France last night.

The release of Premier League fixtures this week means the Reds now have a target as they continue their preparations. The season kicks off with a trip to Portman Road to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town in less than two months’ time.

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While we wait for that to emerge, here’s a look at some of the latest stories doing the rounds around Liverpool. The ECHO also gave us our thoughts.

Cody Gakpo Debate

Pundit Landon Donovan has reopened a debate surrounding Cody Gakpo and his club vs country form. The forward is currently representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and played all 90 minutes of Friday night’s 0-0 draw against the Netherlands.

During that game, Donovan told FOX on commentary: “He looked like a completely different player to the one we saw at Liverpool. He’s confident and takes people.”

Gakpo also earned praise from manager Ronald Koeman for his performance in the tournament opener against Poland. Speaking to De Telegraaf, he said: “I thought Gakpo played great. He went really well on the left side and we became very threatening there.”

ECHO Sport says: Gakpo’s form for his international side can only be good news for Liverpool going into the new season. If his performances at Euro 2024 continue, then he will return to pre-season under Arne Slot full of confidence.

Comparisons with his form at Liverpool are unfair, given that Gakpo has played in various positions along the front line throughout the season. He has a more stable place on the left wing for his international team.

Gakpo’s outing for Liverpool wasn’t poor either. The 25-year-old scored 16 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last season.

Adrien Rabiot links

Liverpool were linked with another player who was in action at Euro 2024 last night, with Adrien Rabiot’s name being mentioned with the Reds. The midfielder is out of contract with Juventus this summer, with a new deal yet to be agreed.

Conformable Sport Italy Juventus were expecting a response to their contract offer before the Euros, but that never came. The report then names Liverpool as one of the clubs closely monitoring the situation, although Real Madrid are named favorites if they do not renew their contract with Juventus.

ECHO Sport says: Rabiot has been in and around the top level of the game for a few years, so he would be a good choice if Liverpool could bring him in on a free transfer. But with competition from both Juventus, who want a contract extension, and Real Madrid, he may be out of reach for Liverpool, especially given the wages that could be on offer.