Manchester City have formally entered discussions with Liverpool in an effort to acquire Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The timing of the approach comes late in the transfer window, prompting Liverpool to reassess their options as the deadline looms. According to a source speaking to Sky Sports News, the potential transfer is gaining momentum in Manchester, especially as Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed interest in the versatile attacker. Negotiations are reportedly progressing on both clubs' sides, with personal terms for the Netherlands international also being examined.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are busy shaping their own squad for the upcoming season. The club is on the cusp of completing a high‑profile signing of French winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain. The deal is structured to cost Liverpool an initial £106 million, with possible add‑ons that could raise the total value to £123 million.
In addition, Victor Muñoz arrived from Osasuna earlier in the summer, adding further depth to the squad. City’s recent activity on the wings has been notable. Earlier this month, they permitted Savio and Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham, reducing the number of options available to manager Enzo Maresca on the flanks.
In their most recent Premier League fixture, a 2‑0 victory over Crystal Palace, City did not name a traditional winger among the substitutes and instead started Phil Foden in a wide role, a position Maresca openly acknowledges is not his natural spot. This tactical shift underscores City’s desire to inject fresh pace and creativity into their attacking third, a need that Gakpo’s skill set could satisfy. Elsewhere in the league, Jack Grealish remains a subject of speculation.
Everton and Sunderland have both shown interest, with the player reportedly leaning toward a return to Everton. Grealish’s absence from the Palace match further limited Liverpool’s attacking alternatives, highlighting the importance of securing a reliable wide‑forward. Tottenham, too, had their eye on Gakpo earlier in the window before opting to secure Savio and Marmoush. The competition for the Dutchman’s signature therefore remains intense, with multiple top‑flight clubs vying for his services.
Liverpool’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, offered a measured response regarding Gakpo’s future after Liverpool’s 2‑2 home draw with Nottingham Forest. Following the match, Gakpo provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal at Anfield.
Iraola told TNT, "Now we have two or three days and we will see what happens with everyone. I'm looking forward to arriving at September 2 and knowing what squad we have. It's true we created both goals from the right side and they were very good goals." This statement suggests that decisions will be made in the coming days, with the club’s overall squad composition a key factor.
The Barcola deal is also moving forward. Sky Sports reported that Liverpool and PSG have reached an agreement in principle for the French winger, with the total package valued at roughly £120 million.
The structure of the agreement involves an upfront payment of £106 million, with up to £17 million in performance‑related add‑ons. Formalities such as the exchange of documents and a medical examination for Barcola remain pending. Earlier in the summer, PSG had placed a higher valuation on the 23‑year‑old, reportedly seeking around £145 million, but a compromise has now been reached. Barcola is set to sign a five‑year contract that would keep him at Anfield until 2031, making him Liverpool’s second‑most expensive signing after the club‑record fee paid for Alexander Isak.
In addition to Barcola, Liverpool are actively pursuing a second winger to complement their attacking options. Their current target is Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, who has been linked with a move after complex negotiations involving Brighton for Yankuba Minteh fell through. Securing Sarr would provide Liverpool with additional width and pace, further diversifying their forward line.
The broader context of these transfer maneuvers reflects the increasingly competitive nature of the Premier League market. Clubs are not only looking to fill immediate gaps but also to build squads capable of sustained success across multiple competitions. Manchester City’s interest in Gakpo illustrates their intent to refresh their attacking arsenal, while Liverpool’s simultaneous pursuit of Barcola and Sarr demonstrates a strategic approach to bolstering depth on the flanks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the window draws to a close.
The outcome of these negotiations could reshape the tactical dynamics of both clubs for the forthcoming season, influencing everything from formation choices to player rotation strategies. As the deadline approaches, the final decisions made by City, Liverpool, Tottenham, and other interested parties will likely have lasting implications for the Premier League landscape. In summary, Manchester City have opened formal talks with Liverpool to secure Cody Gakpo, a move that comes amid competing interest from Tottenham and a flurry of activity on both clubs' wings. Liverpool, meanwhile, are finalising a substantial deal for Bradley Barcola and exploring additional winger options such as Ismaila Sarr.
The next few days will be decisive as clubs finalize contracts, complete medicals, and confirm the financial details that will define their squads for the 2024‑25 campaign.