Manchester City Open Talks with Liverpool Over Cody Gakpo Transfer

Manchester City have stepped up their pursuit of Cody Gakpo and opened formal talks with Liverpool over a deal that would reshape the final days of the transfer window. The move was initiated on Saturday evening and positions the Dutch international as one of the key storylines heading into Tuesday's deadline in the Premier League.

• City have made official contact with Liverpool to sign Cody Gakpo.
• Tottenham are also tracking the forward, but he would favour a move to the Etihad.
• Gakpo's potential exit comes as Liverpool close in on Bradley Barcola from PSG.
• Liverpool would ideally recruit another attacker before clearing Gakpo to leave.
• Anfield chiefs value the Dutchman at around £85 million.

Man City push for Gakpo late in the window

Pep Guardiola's side have made their move in the closing hours of the market. City's sporting department formally approached Liverpool on Saturday to discuss a transfer for the 27-year-old Gakpo. Both clubs know time is tight: the window shuts on Tuesday, leaving little room for prolonged negotiations.

Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with concrete interest in the player, but the most likely destination, should he leave Anfield, points towards Manchester City. A switch to the Etihad appeals to Gakpo, who would have the chance to compete for major honours while remaining at the top end of English football.

Barcola's looming arrival changes Gakpo's situation

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a package that could be worth up to £123 million. That signing dramatically reshapes the attacking setup at Anfield and limits the role Gakpo has occupied since joining in January 2023.

With Victor Munoz already integrated into the first team, the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Barcola's imminent move from the French capital, the Dutchman accepts his place in the pecking order may no longer be guaranteed. A departure before the deadline would not come as a surprise to those inside the dressing room.

Liverpool want a replacement before sanctioning Gakpo sale

Liverpool will not allow Gakpo to leave without first strengthening their attack. The club is exploring options to bring in another forward before Tuesday's cutoff, with Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr among the names under consideration. Either would help fill the gap left by the Netherlands international.

Anfield officials view Gakpo as a proven, multifunctional Premier League attacker. His displays in the first two league games of the season back that up: he scored in the draw at Newcastle and provided an assist in the 2-2 home result against Nottingham Forest.

A financially strong deal with clear sporting risk

A Gakpo sale would generate a significant profit for Liverpool. The club paid PSV Eindhoven around £35 million in 2022 and now values the forward near £85 million. A transfer in that region would represent a major return on their investment.

Yet the decision carries risk. Hugo Ekitike is sidelined until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles tendon, while Alexander Isak has struggled with recurring fitness issues. Losing Gakpo without a guaranteed replacement would leave the squad thinner in attack at a critical stage of the season.

Iraola faces a key decision over Gakpo's future

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is navigating a demanding start to the campaign. He is still chasing his first win in charge after the opening-day draw at Newcastle and the stalemate against Forest at Anfield. The possible exit of Gakpo adds another layer of uncertainty to a team seeking immediate consistency.

The coaching staff retain full faith in Gakpo, whose Premier League record stands at 33 goals in 91 appearances since arriving at the club. Replacing that output will not be straightforward, and Liverpool's decision-makers are aware of the challenge before giving final approval to any sale.

Frequently asked questions about Cody Gakpo's future