Liverpool have firmly declined Manchester City’s £80 million proposal for their Dutch winger Cody Gakpo, prompting the English champions to shift their focus toward Everton’s promising forward Iliman Ndiaye. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Liverpool’s hesitation stems largely from doubts about finding a suitable replacement for Gakpo within the remaining days of the transfer window. The club appears unwilling to part with the 25‑year‑old attacker at this stage, a decision that has effectively reopened the door for City to pursue alternative targets.
The situation has evolved quickly. After City’s offer for Gakpo was rebuffed, their scouting department turned its attention to the 22‑year‑old I‑Ndiaye, who has impressed with his pace, technical ability and eye‑for‑goal during his spell at Everton.
Tottenham Hotspur have already agreed on a £60 million fee with Everton for Ndiaye, and discussions between Manchester City and Everton have reportedly begun regarding a possible swap that could also involve Jack Grealish. Everton are believed to view Grealish as their preferred destination, though the Liverpool‑born midfielder is also attracting interest from Sunderland.
Manchester City’s transfer strategy appears to be driven by a desire to bolster both the flanks and the central midfield before the window shuts. In addition to Ndiaye, the Citizens have identified Enzo Fernández as a potential acquisition to add creativity and depth in midfield.
The club’s recent activity includes sending Savio Medeira and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham earlier in the month, a move that has reduced the number of wing options available to manager Pep Guardiola’s assistant, Enzo Maresca. The broader context of the market is worth noting.
Liverpool have been active on their own, securing the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain on Monday, a young forward expected to provide competition for Gakpo and add variety to the Reds’ attacking line‑up. Earlier in the summer, they also completed the signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, a versatile midfielder who can operate in several roles across the pitch. These additions suggest that while Liverpool are reluctant to let Gakpo go now, they are preparing contingency plans should the Dutchman eventually seek a move. Tottenham, meanwhile, had shown interest in Gakpo during this window before ultimately opting to bring in Savio and Marmoush to fill their wide‑area needs.
Their decision to pass on the Liverpool forward indicates the competitive nature of the market for quality wingers, with several top clubs vying for limited talent. City’s recent matchday choices also hint at their tactical flexibility. In Friday’s Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, Guardiola did not name a traditional winger among his substitutes, instead starting Phil Foden – a player Enzo Maresca has described as not a conventional winger – in a wide role at Selhurst Park.
This experiment underscores the manager’s willingness to adapt players to different positions, a factor that could influence the type of winger they eventually sign. The transfer saga continues to generate excitement among fans, especially with the added incentive of Sky Sports’ promotional offers.
The network is encouraging viewers to stay updated via the Transfer Centre LIVE feature on their smartphones, and they are promoting a free‑trial subscription to stream Premier League action without a long‑term contract. Additionally, Sky Sports is running a Super 6 competition that gives participants a chance to win £1 million, further engaging the audience during a busy transfer period.
In summary, Liverpool’s refusal to sell Cody Gakpo for £80 million reflects both a strategic desire to retain a key attacking asset and concerns about the availability of an adequate replacement. Manchester City, undeterred by the setback, have redirected their scouting resources toward Iliman Ndiaye and are also monitoring Enzo Fernández as potential midfield reinforcements. The window remains open, and with clubs like Tottenham, Everton and Sunderland also in the mix, the final outcomes for these players could still shift dramatically before the deadline.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will remain on the negotiations, the players’ personal preferences, and the financial calculations that drive modern football transfers. Whether Gakpo will eventually depart Anfield, whether Ndiaye will make the leap to Manchester, or whether other surprises will emerge, the coming days promise to be a defining moment for several clubs and the players involved.