05 Jun 2026 13:04:05
Am I the only one that likes Gakpo?
I think he could really flourish under Iraola.
If he stays, I think a lot of you are going to be pleasantly surprised.
05 Jun 2026 14:05:10
I also don't get the Gakpo hate. Most players looked bad under Slot last season. I'd rather keep Gakpo than spend big on Barcola.
05 Jun 2026 14:07:09
I like Gakpo but I can't pretend that he didn't just have an awful season.
That said, I wouldn't sell any players based on performances from last season and I would give them all a second chance to show what they can do under Iraola.
05 Jun 2026 14:12:17
It's a tricky one, and an issue set up by ourselves by giving him such a bumper contract last year.
On his previous contract of £120k/week, I think he offers a lot, and provides cover and continuity whilst we integrate yet more players into the squad and while Hugo is injured and Rio continues to learn and develop.
However, by giving him £250k (rather than, say, £160k-ish), we have made a rod for our own back as other players like Dom, Konate (albeit I sense he had a plan anyway), etc. will want to earn the same wages.
On ability and familiarity with the team, I would keep him, at least until January, to see whether he can cope with the Iraola intensity.
It's not like he's old, he should be coming into his prime now, and although he had a stinker last season, so did almost everyone.
However, if a £50-£60m+ offer comes in, it may be worthwhile cashing in and picking up a talent in the 20-24 age group to help Rio and provide a decent service - Barcola could be one, but maybe Malick Fofana may be of interest again. We also have Wirtz, who can play off the left (and arguably excels there for his country).
05 Jun 2026 14:43:32
He excels there (LW for Germany) because it's more of a free role LW, he spends 70,
-80% of the time centrally, so a flying LB like Kerkez should help if Wirtz starts there for us next season.
05 Jun 2026 14:56:34
Not many had a good season, Shipley.
05 Jun 2026 14:58:50
I liked Gakpo, but this season he was horrible, but I think a lot of it was down to poor coaching as the whole team was horrible last season.
05 Jun 2026 15:46:33
That's exactly my point, @Irish. It can't be coincidence that so many performances dropped at the same time, hence the clean slate with Iraola this season.
05 Jun 2026 15:58:10
Gakpo is a good player. Poor season but good player. He'll be back.
05 Jun 2026 17:20:44
Everyone had a poor season. Rather keep Gakpo than go for Barcola personally, but on the condition that he plays Kerkez in more when he overlaps!