Manchester City have reportedly placed Cody Gakpo on their transfer radar, despite the Dutch forward currently being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur from Liverpool. The English champions are actively scouting ways to bolster their attacking options, especially after confirming the imminent departure of Brazilian winger Savinho to the North London club, with the possibility of fellow forward Omar Marmoush also heading in the same direction. At this stage, no formal negotiations have taken place between City and Liverpool regarding Gakpo, who remains under contract at Anfield until the year 2030. Liverpool appear reluctant to part with their 27‑year‑old striker, indicating that they would only consider a sale if they could secure the services of two quality wide‑forwards to replace him.
The Dutchman has already shown his importance to the Reds, having started and found the net in Liverpool's Premier League opening fixture against Newcastle United last weekend. The interest from Manchester City comes amid a busy summer window for the club, which has been linked with a number of high‑profile names across Europe. Recent reports suggest that the Sky Blues have been pursuing Paris Saint‑Germain’s promising talents Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, while also making multiple offers for Brighton’s highly rated Yankuba Minteh – all of which have so far been turned down. In addition, the club has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Brazilian side Palmeiras to bring in 22‑year‑old winger Allan for a fee that could rise to £34 million, comprising a £32 million upfront payment plus £2 million in performance‑related add‑ons.
Allan is expected to fill the void left by Savinho, whose transfer to Tottenham has been valued at up to £85 million and was confirmed after he completed a medical examination last week. Sky Sports News highlighted that a deal for Omar Marmoush is also on the brink of completion, with City and Spurs reportedly close to finalising terms. Marmoush was listed among the substitutes for Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, although he did not get onto the pitch. Should the transfer go through, City would add another versatile attacker capable of operating on either flank, further expanding the options available to manager Pep Guardiola.
If City were to acquire Gakpo, they would gain a forward who combines physical presence, technical skill, and a proven goal‑scoring record in both the Dutch Eredivisie and the English Premier League. Gakpo’s ability to play across the front line – as a central striker, left‑winger, or even a deeper‑lying forward – would give Guardiola additional tactical flexibility.
Moreover, his experience on the international stage with the Netherlands, where he has been a key figure in recent European Championship campaigns, would add a valuable dimension to a City side already rich in talent. However, any potential move for Gakpo would have to overcome Liverpool’s reluctance to let go of a player who has become integral to their attacking play.
The Reds would likely demand significant compensation, possibly in the form of a sizeable transfer fee combined with the inclusion of one or two promising wide‑players to replace Gakpo’s contributions on the flanks. Given Liverpool’s contract situation – a long‑term deal that runs until 2030 – the negotiation could become a protracted affair, with the Premier League giants weighing the financial and sporting implications of losing a player of Gakpo’s caliber.
In the broader context of City’s transfer strategy, the club appears to be targeting a blend of established stars and emerging talents. The pursuit of PSG’s Barcola and Mbaye reflects an ambition to secure young, high‑potential players who can develop under Guardiola’s guidance.
Meanwhile, the attempted acquisition of Minteh from Brighton underscores City’s willingness to invest in proven Premier League talent, even if it means outbidding competing clubs. The acquisition of Allan from Palmeiras, once finalized, will see a young Brazilian winger join the City squad, potentially providing a direct replacement for Savinho and adding depth to the wide‑area positions.
The deal, while still awaiting the exchange of official paperwork, has already been described as a verbal agreement, with the player slated to travel for a medical once all parties are satisfied. Overall, Manchester City’s summer agenda is shaping up to be a complex puzzle of incoming and outgoing transfers.
While the club has already secured a verbal agreement for Allan and is close to sealing deals for Marmoush and possibly Savinho’s replacement, the interest in Cody Gakpo adds another layer of intrigue. Whether City can persuade Liverpool to part with the Dutch forward remains uncertain, but the mere fact that the English champions are monitoring his situation signals their intent to remain competitive on all fronts, both domestically and in Europe.
As the transfer window progresses, fans can expect further updates on these negotiations, with the potential for high‑profile signings that could reshape the squad for the upcoming season.