Manchester City have officially begun discussions with Liverpool regarding a possible transfer for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The timing of the approach is notable because it arrives late in the summer transfer window, prompting Liverpool to reassess their options and the broader implications for their squad. According to a source speaking to Sky Sports News, the interest from the Premier League champions is gaining momentum, especially as Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed a desire to acquire the versatile attacker.
Negotiations are reportedly progressing not only on the club-to-club level but also concerning Gakpo's personal terms, with the Netherlands international expected to negotiate wages, contract length, and performance-related bonuses. Liverpool, meanwhile, are busy finalising other high‑profile signings. The club is on the brink of securing the services of French winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain. The deal is structured as an initial payment of £106 million, potentially rising to £123 million when add‑ons are triggered.
In addition, the Spanish midfielder Victor Muñoz arrived from Osasuna earlier in the summer, adding depth to the midfield. These moves suggest that Liverpool are preparing a substantial overhaul of their attacking options, a strategy that could influence how they view the Gakpo situation. The context of City’s pursuit is further illuminated by recent squad changes on their wing.
Earlier this month, Manchester City allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to depart for Tottenham, narrowing the choices available to manager Enzo Maresca for the wide positions. In the recent Premier League match against Crystal Palace, City did not name a traditional winger among their substitutes and instead deployed Phil Foden in a wide role, a decision Maresca openly acknowledged was unconventional. This tactical flexibility underscores City’s desire for a player who can operate both as a natural winger and an inverted forward, a profile that Gakpo fits perfectly due to his ability to cut inside, create chances, and finish with both feet.
Elsewhere in the league, Everton and Sunderland have shown interest in Jack Grealish, with the player reportedly favouring a return to Everton. Grealish’s absence from the squad that faced Crystal Palace further limits the options available to teams seeking experienced wide players. Tottenham, having previously targeted Gakpo before securing Savio and Marmoush, may now find themselves in a secondary position if City can finalize a deal quickly. Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s head coach, remained deliberately vague about Gakpo’s future after the team’s home draw with Nottingham Forest.
Following Gakpo’s 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 on 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 reflects both the club’s short‑term focus on upcoming fixtures and the longer‑term uncertainty surrounding the transfer market.
The Barcola deal, meanwhile, has been clarified by Sky Sports. An agreement in principle has been reached for a package worth roughly £120 million, with Liverpool paying £106 million upfront and up to £17 million in performance‑related add‑ons. The clubs still need to exchange formal documents and Barcola must pass a medical examination before the transfer can be completed.
Earlier in the summer, PSG had valued the French winger at around £145 million, but the revised figure reflects a compromise that satisfies both parties. Once signed, Barcola will sign a five‑year contract extending to 2031, making him Liverpool’s second‑most expensive signing after the club‑record £125 million acquisition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. In addition to Barcola, Liverpool are also targeting another winger to bolster their options on the flanks.
Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr is on their radar, though negotiations have been complicated by Brighton’s interest in Yankuba Minteh, a young talent who could also be a potential signing for the Merseyside side. These parallel pursuits illustrate Liverpool’s broader strategy to refresh their attacking line‑up with a mix of proven internationals and promising young players.
Overall, the transfer window remains highly fluid. Manchester City’s interest in Gakpo adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s planning, especially as the club balances the integration of new signings like Barcola and Muñoz with the potential departure of a key winger. Should City succeed in securing Gakpo, it would not only strengthen their own squad but also deprive rivals of a player capable of delivering goals and assists from the right side of the pitch. Conversely, if Liverpool retain Gakpo, they could look to build a dynamic attacking trio alongside Isak and Barcola, potentially reshaping their offensive identity for the upcoming season.
The next few days will be crucial as clubs finalize deals, conduct medicals, and announce official statements, setting the stage for the new campaign in the Premier League.