Manchester City have signalled a clear interest in acquiring Cody Gakpo, the Dutch forward currently on Liverpool's books, as part of their ongoing quest to bolster the attacking options at the Etihad Stadium. The club’s scouting network has identified Gakpo as a potential addition to a forward line that is already set to receive fresh talent, notably the Brazilian youngster Savinho and possibly Egyptian winger Omar Marmoush, who are both expected to move to Tottenham Hotspur in the near future. At present, there have been no formal negotiations between the two clubs regarding Gakpo’s future.
The Dutch striker remains under a long‑term contract with Liverpool that runs until 2030, meaning any move would require a substantial offer and a willingness on Liverpool’s part to part with a player they consider integral to their plans. The Reds have publicly indicated that they are not inclined to sell Gakpo at this stage. In fact, the club’s strategy appears to involve reinforcing their own wide‑forward positions, which would give them the depth needed to feel comfortable letting the 27‑year‑old go.
Gakpo’s recent performances have only heightened his profile. He started the Premier League season for Liverpool against Newcastle United and found the back of the net, showcasing the blend of pace, technical skill and finishing ability that has made him a coveted asset across the league.
His versatility – capable of playing across the front line, cutting in from the left or operating as a central striker – adds to his appeal for a side like Manchester City, which values fluid, interchangeable attacking units. The interest from City comes amid a busy transfer window for the club.
They have been actively pursuing several high‑profile targets, including Paris Saint‑Germain’s promising young talents Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. Additionally, City have submitted multiple bids for Brighton’s winger Yankuba Minteh, all of which have been turned down so far.
These pursuits illustrate a broader strategy to inject youthful dynamism and depth into Pep Guardiola’s squad. One of the most concrete moves City have already made is the agreement with Brazilian side Palmeiras to secure the services of 22‑year‑old winger Allan. The deal, reportedly worth up to £34 million – a fixed £32 million fee plus £2 million in performance‑related add‑ons – has been verbally confirmed by both parties, although the official paperwork and medical have yet to be completed. Allan is being positioned as a direct replacement for Savinho, who is on the verge of a high‑profile transfer to Tottenham.
Spurs have agreed to a fee that could rise to £85 million for Savinho, and a medical was reportedly completed last week, indicating the transaction is nearing its final stages. In parallel, reports from Sky Sports News suggest that negotiations for Omar Marmoush are also close to fruition. Marmoush, who was named on the bench for City’s opening Premier League match against Bournemouth but did not feature, could soon join the squad, providing additional width and creativity on the left flank.
If both Savinho and Marmoush depart for Tottenham, City will have created space in their wage bill and squad composition, potentially freeing up resources to chase Gakpo. The logistical and financial considerations of a Gakpo move are significant. Liverpool would likely demand a hefty fee, given the player’s age, contract length, and recent form.
Moreover, the club would probably seek to secure two quality wide‑forwards as part of any deal, ensuring they maintain a balanced attacking setup. This could mean a package deal involving multiple players or a substantial cash component, making the negotiation process complex. From a tactical perspective, Gakpo would fit seamlessly into Guardiola’s system, which emphasizes positional rotation, high pressing, and quick transitions. His ability to drift inside, combine with midfielders, and finish with both feet would complement the existing talents of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish.
Additionally, his experience in high‑pressure matches, both domestically and in European competition, would add a layer of composure to City’s attack. In summary, while no formal club‑to‑club talks have been reported, Manchester City’s interest in Cody Gakpo is evident and aligns with their broader transfer strategy aimed at refreshing the squad with young, versatile attackers. The club’s ongoing deals for Allan, the potential acquisition of Marmoush, and the imminent departure of Savinho to Tottenham all point to a period of significant reshaping of the forward line.
Liverpool, on the other hand, appear reluctant to part with Gakpo without substantial compensation and may look to bolster their own options before considering any sale. The next few weeks will likely reveal whether a deal can be struck that satisfies both clubs and provides the Dutch striker with a new challenge at the Etihad.