Cody Gakpo reflects on toughest summer after Manchester City move collapsed

Cody Gakpo has spoken openly about a summer he will never forget. The Liverpool attacker confirmed that a move to Manchester City was close to happening and that his own club ultimately pulled the plug on the deal. All of this unfolded while the Dutch international was grieving a heartbreaking family loss.

• Gakpo has confirmed Liverpool were ready to sell him to Manchester City before reversing their decision.
• The striker and his partner Noa van der Bij lost their second son during pregnancy in June.
• Despite the collapsed transfer, Gakpo has started the season with goals and several assists.
• Virgil van Dijk publicly backed his teammate and urged the club to keep him at Anfield.

Gakpo reveals how Liverpool changed its stance on Manchester City transfer

The Dutch forward shed light on a saga that had him linked with Manchester City for much of the summer. The reported fee in August was around £80 million, a figure that would have made Gakpo one of the most expensive signings of the window. Yet talks stalled, and Liverpool decided against strengthening a direct Premier League rival.

It was a difficult summer for me, for my family, and for everything surrounding football and life. I just let it come, and it ended how it ended.

Gakpo admitted he had no real say in the final outcome. Asked whether Liverpool had been willing to let him leave before changing their minds, he replied with a single word: spot-on. From that point on, his only focus was what he could influence: performing on the pitch.

The family tragedy that overshadowed Gakpo's summer

Before the transfer story reached its peak, Gakpo had already suffered the heaviest blow of all. In June, he and his partner Noa van der Bij announced that their second son had died during pregnancy. The news put football into perspective and forced the player to rethink his priorities.

The 26-year-old chose not to hide. He kept training, competing and carrying responsibility for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. His approach over the past months has been calm and accepting, a mindset he repeats in every public appearance.

If I have no control over the situation, I will not worry. I just do my job and let whatever happens happen.

Strong start to the season after staying at Liverpool

Instead of sulking, Gakpo has responded with performances. He scored in Liverpool's opening-weekend draw with Newcastle and found the net again in the Carabao Cup win over Spurs. He has also recorded five assists, numbers that underline his excellent form and have quieted some of the criticism from last year.

Gakpo himself admitted he could do much better than he did during a disappointing season that ended with the departure of Arne Slot. With a new chapter underway at Anfield, the forward has found a more suitable environment to recover his best level and justify the club's faith in him.

Late goal against Germany and Van Dijk's backing

The Nations League provided another reminder of Gakpo's quality. Against Germany, now coached by his former club manager Jürgen Klopp, the Dutchman scored a superb stoppage-time equalizer to earn his country a draw. The volley sparked immediate praise inside and outside the dressing room.

Virgil van Dijk, captain of both Liverpool and the Netherlands, did not hesitate to back his teammate. The centre-back said he never understood those who failed to appreciate Gakpo and insisted that keeping him at Anfield was the logical call.

If people didn't appreciate Cody before, personally I don't understand it. For us as a team and a club it was a no-brainer to keep him. He is a friend as well, so hopefully he stays with us.

What Gakpo can offer Liverpool this season

With a refreshed project and the fans waiting for silverware, Gakpo has the chance to establish himself as a key piece of the attack. His ability to play wide or through the middle, combined with a powerful frame and excellent timing in the box, makes him a valuable asset in any attacking setup.

His understanding with Van Dijk and the other Dutch internationals in the squad also helps team cohesion. If he maintains the level shown in the opening weeks, Liverpool will have made the right call by preventing him from joining a direct rival like Manchester City.