Manchester City have officially opened a dialogue with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer for Dutch international Cody Gakpo. The timing of the approach is noteworthy, as it arrives relatively late in the summer transfer window, prompting Liverpool to reassess their options and the overall composition of their squad. According to a source quoted by Sky Sports News, the interest in the versatile winger appears to be gaining momentum, with Manchester City emerging as a serious contender alongside Tottenham Hotspur, which had also expressed interest earlier in the window.
The discussions are not limited to a simple fee; personal terms for Gakpo are also being negotiated, indicating that both clubs are looking to reach a comprehensive agreement that satisfies the player’s expectations as well as the financial and strategic considerations of the two sides. While Liverpool continue to pursue other targets, such as the imminent signing of French forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain, the prospect of losing Gakpo adds a layer of urgency to their transfer strategy.
Barcola’s deal is reportedly valued at £106 million upfront, with potential add‑ons that could raise the total to £123 million. This figure would place him among the most expensive acquisitions in Liverpool’s history, second only to the club‑record fee paid for Alexander Isak. In parallel, Liverpool have already secured the services of Victor Muñoz, who arrived from Osasuna earlier in the summer, further bolstering the squad’s depth. Manchester City’s recent activity on the wings has been significant.
Earlier this month, the club allowed forward Savio and winger Omar Marmoush to depart for Tottenham, thereby reducing the number of options available to manager Enzo Maresca on the flanks. In City’s most recent Premier League fixture—a 2‑0 victory over Crystal Palace—no traditional winger featured on the bench. Instead, the team started with Phil Foden, a player Maresca himself admitted is not a conventional winger, occupying a wide position at Selhurst Park.
This tactical choice underscores City’s willingness to experiment with different formations and could explain why they are actively seeking a player of Gakpo’s profile, who can operate effectively both as a forward and a wide attacker. The interest in Gakpo is not limited to the English clubs.
Tottenham had initially targeted the Dutch forward before securing the services of Savio and Marmoush, suggesting that Gakpo remains a highly coveted asset in the market. Meanwhile, Everton and Sunderland have shown interest in Liverpool’s marquee signing Jack Grealish, who reportedly prefers a return to Everton. Grealish’s absence from the squad against Crystal Palace further narrows the options available to Liverpool’s manager Andoni Iraola in the attacking third.
On the managerial front, Andoni Iraola has remained deliberately vague about Gakpo’s future following Liverpool’s 2‑2 home draw with Nottingham Forest. After Gakpo provided an assist for Alexander Isak’s goal at Anfield, Iraola told TNT that the club would have “two or three days” to evaluate the situation and make a decision.
He added that he expects to have a clearer picture of the squad composition by September 2, once the transfer window closes and all pending negotiations are finalized. The Barcola saga offers further insight into Liverpool’s broader transfer strategy. Sky Sports reported that an agreement in principle had been reached for the French forward’s move to Anfield, with a total package valued at around £120 million.
The structure of the deal involves an upfront payment of £106 million, with up to £17 million in performance‑related add‑ons. Although the clubs still need to exchange official documentation and Barcola must pass a medical examination, the agreement signals Liverpool’s commitment to investing heavily in attacking talent. Previously, PSG had set a valuation of approximately £145 million for Barcola, creating a valuation gap that delayed the deal.
The recent compromise reflects both clubs’ willingness to find common ground, and the five‑year contract that Barcola is expected to sign will keep him at Liverpool until 2031. Should the transfer go through, Barcola will become the second‑most expensive signing in the club’s history, trailing only the record fee paid for Isak. Liverpool’s pursuit of additional wide players continues, with Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr identified as a potential target. The club’s interest in Sarr follows a challenging negotiation process with Brighton for Yankuba Minteh, highlighting Liverpool’s desire to reinforce the flanks with multiple options.
The combination of Gakpo, Barcola, and possibly Sarr would give Iraola a wealth of talent to choose from, ensuring tactical flexibility throughout the season. In summary, the transfer market narrative surrounding Cody Gakpo illustrates the complex interplay of timing, valuation, and squad needs that define modern football negotiations. Manchester City’s proactive approach, Liverpool’s simultaneous pursuit of multiple high‑profile signings, and the lingering interest from other Premier League clubs create a dynamic environment in which each decision will have lasting implications for the clubs involved.
As the window draws to a close, fans can expect further developments, official statements, and perhaps some last‑minute surprises before the deadline.