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Cody Gakpo is in line for a new deal at Liverpool in what is a complete contrast to Luis Diaz's Anfield exit.
The Netherlands international is reportedly close to signing a new contract with his current deal due to expire in 2028. Since arriving in Merseyside halfway through the 2022/23 season he has gone on to score 42 goals and register 16 assists in 124 appearances, etching his name in Reds history after winning the Premier League last season.
His future this summer, however, has been left uncertain after Arne Slot brought in a number of attacking reinforcements. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are already through the door, while the club continue their rumoured big-money pursuit of Newcastle United's wantaway striker Alexander Isak.
But the 26-year-old, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, has started the current campaign well, which seems to have pushed higher-ups to start renewal talks.
Gakpo scored in Liverpool's 4-2 opening day victory over Bournemouth, and continued his fine form in front of goal with two contributions at St James' Park last weekend.
Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink, from Eindhovens Dagblad, has claimed the player is "close to a new contract" and that "there's a good chance" he will sign it. It is a move that would make sense, with the player aged 26, meaning it secures his services for what are going to be his prime footballing years.
Elfrink added that "Gakpo had options to move earlier this transfer window" but is now set to be offered a new deal to extend his stay at Liverpool.
He currently earns a reported $160,000 per week, but with his role in the squad much more significant, many thanks to Diaz's departure, he will likely receive a sizeable paycheque boost.
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It comes after the frontman was linked with a move to German champions Bayern Munich earlier this summer. At the time, BILD reporter Christian Falk had noted Gakpo "could imagine signing a new contract" and now it looks like negotiations are well and truly underway.
This is a huge change compared to the way Liverpool dealt with Diaz ahead of his departure. Before the Colombian made the switch to Bayern in July, it is said he was never offered a new deal with two years remaining, with Liverpool having no intention of offering fresh terms.
Diaz joined the Reds in January 2022 and went on to score 41 goals for the club. He has started life in Germany well so far, scoring two and assisting two in three games across all competitions.
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