Manchester City have officially begun discussions with Liverpool in an effort to secure the services of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The timing of the approach comes relatively late in the transfer window, prompting Liverpool to reassess their options and consider the ramifications of losing one of their most versatile attacking players. According to a source speaking to Sky Sports News, the interest from Manchester City has intensified, especially as Tottenham Hotspur also expressed a desire to acquire the winger. The source indicated that City’s pursuit is now moving forward, with both clubs reportedly negotiating personal terms with Gakpo himself.
The Netherlands international, who has become a key figure in Liverpool’s attacking setup, is said to be in the middle of talks that could see him don the sky blue shirt before the window closes. Liverpool, meanwhile, are not standing still. The club is on the brink of finalising a high‑profile signing of French forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain.
The deal is structured to cost Liverpool an initial £106 million, potentially rising to £123 million once performance‑related add‑ons are triggered. In addition, Victor Muñoz arrived from Osasuna earlier in the summer, adding further depth to the squad.
The timing of City’s approach is notable because the Premier League side recently allowed two of their own wingers, Savio and Omar Marmoush, to depart for Tottenham. This move has reduced the options available to Liverpool’s manager, Andoni Iraola, on the flanks and may have prompted City to look for a direct replacement for the departing players. In City’s most recent match, a 2‑0 victory over Crystal Palace, the manager, Enzo Maresca, fielded Phil Foden in a wide role, even though he publicly acknowledged that Foden is not a natural winger. The decision highlighted the scarcity of specialist wide players on City’s bench and underscored the urgency behind their interest in Gakpo.
The transfer saga is further complicated by other clubs keeping tabs on high‑profile wingers. Everton and Sunderland have both shown interest in Jack Grealish, who appears to favour a return to Everton, and his absence from the squad against Palace has limited Liverpool’s creative options on the right side. Tottenham, after missing out on Gakpo, secured the signings of Savio and Marmoush, reinforcing their own wing options.
Iraola remained cautious when asked about 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, prompting the manager to comment to 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.” He added that the team had created both goals from the right side, praising the quality of the finishes. In parallel, Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola appears to be nearing completion.
Sky Sports reported that an agreement in principle had been reached for a package worth roughly £120 million, with an upfront payment of £106 million and up to £17 million in add‑ons. The final steps involve the exchange of official documents and a medical examination for Barcola. Earlier in the summer, PSG had valued the 23‑year‑old at around £145 million, but the clubs have now settled on a structure that satisfies both parties.
If the deal goes through, 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 last season. Liverpool’s transfer strategy does not stop with Barcola. The club is also targeting another winger, Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, after a challenging negotiation process with Brighton for Yankuba Minteh fell through. Securing Sarr would provide additional depth and competition for places on the right flank, complementing the potential arrivals of Gakpo and Barcola.
Overall, the summer transfer window has become a complex chessboard for Liverpool, Manchester City, and several other Premier League clubs. City’s pursuit of Gakpo reflects their need to replenish wide‑area talent after the departures of Savio and Marmoush, while Liverpool must balance the desire to retain their star forward with the ambition to bolster the squad through high‑value signings like Barcola and possibly Sarr. As the deadline approaches, fans can expect a flurry of announcements, contract negotiations, and perhaps a few last‑minute surprises before the window shuts.
For those following the developments closely, the Sky Sports app offers live updates, and the Transfer Centre LIVE can be accessed on mobile devices for real‑time information. Additionally, the Premier League streaming service provides contract‑free viewing options for matches, ensuring supporters stay informed about every twist and turn in this high‑stakes transfer drama.