Liverpool have firmly declined an £80 million approach from Manchester City for Dutch winger Cody Gakpo, forcing the English champions to pivot their attention toward Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Liverpool’s hesitation stems from doubts about securing a suitable replacement for the 23‑year‑old striker, prompting the club to keep him in the squad for the remainder of the current transfer window.
The decision to block the move has immediate repercussions for City’s transfer strategy. With Gakpo off the table, the Premier League leaders have accelerated talks about Ndiaye, a versatile attacker who can operate on either flank or as a central striker. Tottenham Hotspur previously agreed on a £60 million fee with Everton for Ndiaye, and that figure appears to be the benchmark for any subsequent bids. City have already opened a dialogue with Everton regarding a potential swap involving Jack Grealish, who is reportedly keen on joining the Merseyside club.
Everton, meanwhile, seem to favour Grealish as their primary target, though they have also fielded interest from Sunderland. City’s broader recruitment plan for the window includes not only a wide‑forward but also a central midfielder, as they aim to bolster depth before the deadline. In addition to Ndiaye, the Citizens have identified Enzo Fernández as a midfield option. The club’s recent activity saw the departures of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham earlier in the month, which trimmed the squad’s wing options and left manager Pep Guardiola with fewer choices on the flanks.
The ripple effect of Liverpool’s rejection is evident in the rapid pace of negotiations. While City were rebuffed on Gakpo, they have already re‑engaged with Everton to discuss a possible swap deal that could see Grealish move to Liverpool in exchange for a combination of cash and players.
This scenario would satisfy both clubs: Liverpool would acquire a world‑class playmaker to replace Gakpo’s creative output, and Everton would receive a marquee signing in Grealish, bolstering their attacking profile. In parallel, Liverpool have been active in the market themselves.
On Monday the Reds secured the signature of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain, adding a young French talent with pace and technical ability to their attacking ranks. Earlier in the summer, they also completed the signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, a versatile midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.
These acquisitions demonstrate Liverpool’s intent to maintain squad depth and provide alternatives should Gakpo eventually depart. Tottenham, for their part, had shown interest in Gakpo during this window but ultimately redirected their focus toward Savio and Marmoush after the Liverpool bid fell through.
The Spurs’ pursuit of Ndiaye remains active, and they have already established a fee structure with Everton, suggesting a willingness to meet City’s valuation if the English club decides to walk away. The transfer saga also highlights the strategic considerations of Premier League clubs as the window draws to a close. Manchester City, having missed out on their primary target, must now balance the desire for immediate reinforcement with financial prudence.
Their interest in Enzo Fernández reflects a broader trend of English clubs seeking South American midfield talent to add creativity and ball‑winning ability. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s refusal to sell Gakpo underscores a commitment to retaining key assets, even at the cost of missing out on a substantial fee that could be reinvested. Fans of both clubs have been vocal on social media, with Liverpool supporters expressing relief that Gakpo remains in red, while City fans have shown frustration at the setback but remain optimistic about alternative options. The ongoing negotiations are being closely monitored by pundits, who note that the outcome could reshape the attacking dynamics of both teams for the remainder of the season.
In summary, Liverpool’s decision to reject the £80 million offer for Cody Gakpo has forced Manchester City to recalibrate its transfer agenda, turning its focus toward Iliman Ndiaye and other potential signings such as Enzo Fernández. Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to strengthen their squad with the arrivals of Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz, ensuring they have adequate cover across the forward line. The situation remains fluid, with talks about a possible Grealish swap adding another layer of complexity to an already intricate transfer window.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton, and Tottenham, with the final outcomes likely to have a lasting impact on the Premier League landscape.