Manchester City have reportedly placed their sights on Cody Gakpo, the Dutch forward who is currently a Liverpool player and has also been linked with a move to Tottenham. The English champions are actively exploring ways to bolster their attacking options as they prepare for another demanding season in the Premier League and Europe. While City have already secured a deal in principle with Brazilian winger Allan from Palmeiras for a fee that could reach £34 million, they are still shopping around for additional talent to complement their front line, and Gakpo has emerged as a name of interest.
At present, there have been no formal discussions between the two clubs regarding a transfer for Gakpo. The Dutchman is tied to Liverpool on a long‑term contract that runs until 2030, and the Merseyside side have made it clear that they are not inclined to part with him unless they receive a compelling offer that also addresses their own squad needs.
Liverpool’s current stance appears to be that they would need to bring in at least two quality wide forwards before they would feel comfortable letting Gakpo leave, reflecting the importance they place on his versatility and goal‑scoring ability. Gakpo, who is 27, demonstrated his value to the Reds by starting and scoring in Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United last weekend. His performance underscored why he remains a coveted asset in the transfer market, offering a blend of pace, technical skill, and a proven eye for goal. For Manchester City, a player of Gakpo’s calibre would provide depth and competition for the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, while also giving Pep Guardiola additional tactical flexibility on the wings.
City’s transfer activity this window has already been busy. In addition to the pending acquisition of Allan, the club have been linked with a number of high‑profile targets.
French side Paris Saint‑Germain’s rising stars Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye have been monitored closely, while Brighton’s promising youngster Yankuba Minteh has attracted multiple bids, all of which have been turned down so far. Meanwhile, the club’s relationship with Tottenham Hotspur has taken on a new dimension, as they appear set to off‑load Brazilian forward Savinho – and potentially also Omar Marmoush – to the North London side.
Spurs have reportedly agreed to pay up to £85 million for Savinho, a figure that reflects his perceived value and the willingness of both clubs to negotiate. The possible departure of Savinho to Tottenham creates a vacancy that City are keen to fill, and Gakpo’s arrival could be part of a broader strategy to reshape the attacking unit. While the club have already reached a verbal agreement with Palmeiras for Allan, the paperwork for the 22‑year‑old’s move has yet to be exchanged.
The deal is structured as a £32 million guaranteed fee with an additional £2 million in performance‑related add‑ons, and both parties have indicated that they will move quickly once the medical and contractual formalities are completed. In parallel, reports from Sky Sports News suggest that negotiations over Omar Marmoush are nearing a conclusion. The Egyptian winger was named on the bench for City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth but did not feature, hinting that his future may be tied up in the ongoing talks with Tottenham. Should Marmoush also depart, City would be left with a clear path to integrate new signings like Gakpo and Allan into their squad.
The broader context of these moves reflects City’s ambition to remain at the summit of English football while also contending for European glory. By securing a mix of experienced internationals and promising young talent, the club hopes to maintain squad depth and mitigate the risk of injuries that have plagued them in previous campaigns. Gakpo’s ability to play across the front line, combined with his proven record in both domestic and continental competitions, makes him an attractive candidate for a side that values versatility and high‑pressing football.
If a deal were to materialise, several factors would need to align. Liverpool would likely demand a substantial transfer fee, possibly in the region of £80‑90 million, given Gakpo’s contract length and importance to the team. Additionally, the Reds would seek assurances that any incoming players would adequately replace the creative and goal‑scoring contributions that Gakpo provides.
For City, the financial outlay would need to be balanced against their existing commitments, including the hefty sum earmarked for Savinho’s move to Tottenham and the ongoing wage bill of a star‑laden squad. In summary, while no concrete agreement has been reached, Manchester City’s interest in Cody Gakpo signals their continued pursuit of top‑tier talent to reinforce an already formidable attacking lineup.
The transfer saga remains fluid, with multiple moving parts involving Liverpool, Tottenham, Palmeiras and other potential suitors. Fans of all clubs will be watching closely as the summer window progresses, eager to see how the final roster for the upcoming season will shape up.