Manchester City have officially opened discussions with Liverpool regarding the potential transfer of forward Cody Gakpo. As the summer transfer window enters its final three days, the 27-year-old’s future has emerged as a significant focal point. While both City and Tottenham Hotspur have shown concrete interest in the player, sources indicate that Gakpo would prefer a move to the Etihad Stadium should he depart Anfield before Tuesday’s deadline.
City initiated formal contact with the Merseyside club on Saturday evening. Liverpool, however, are reportedly hesitant to approve any departure until they secure a replacement, with the club currently monitoring Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr. This potential exit follows Liverpool’s agreement to sign Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal valued at up to £123 million.
Since joining from his boyhood club PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, Gakpo has recorded 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances. His recent form remains strong, having scored in a draw against Newcastle and provided an assist for Alexander Isak during Saturday’s 2-2 stalemate with Nottingham Forest. Despite his utility, the arrival of Victor Munoz, the rise of youngster Rio Ngumoha, and the pending arrival of Barcola suggest Gakpo may no longer be a first-choice starter, making a departure a plausible outcome.
From a financial perspective, a sale in the region of £85 million would represent a significant profit for Liverpool, who acquired the Dutchman for £35 million following the 2022 World Cup. Nevertheless, analysts warn that sanctioning the move carries substantial risk. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined until 2027 due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and ongoing injury concerns surrounding Isak, the club’s attacking depth remains a point of contention.
Liverpool maintain that Gakpo is a proven, multi-functional attacker, but the club has indicated throughout the summer that they would not obstruct a move if their own recruitment targets were met and a suitable offer arrived. As the window nears its close, Anfield officials are expected to carefully evaluate the situation before finalizing any agreement. The report also notes that the Netherlands forward’s future is set to become one of the key storylines heading into the final three days of the transfer window. The report also notes that liverpool taking massive risk’ – analysis. The report also notes that the understanding has been that if the club bring in the attacking players they want, they would not stand in the way of Gakpo if a solid offer came in, but all summer.
