Manchester City have officially begun discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The timing of the approach is noteworthy, as it arrives relatively late in the summer transfer window, prompting Liverpool to carefully evaluate their options and the broader implications for their squad. According to a source speaking to Sky Sports News, the interest from City is gaining momentum, especially as Tottenham Hotspur also expressed a desire to secure the versatile attacker.
Negotiations are reportedly progressing on both clubs' sides, with personal terms for Gakpo – who has become a key figure for the Netherlands national team – also under consideration. Liverpool’s transfer strategy this season has already seen significant activity. The club is on the cusp of finalising a deal for French winger Bradley Barcola, who currently plies his trade at Paris Saint-Germain.
The agreement is structured as a £106 million upfront payment, potentially rising to £123 million once performance‑related add‑ons are triggered. In addition, Liverpool secured the services of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna earlier in the summer, further bolstering their attacking options.
The arrival of Barcola and Muñoz underscores Liverpool’s intent to refresh their wide‑area talent pool, a need that has become more acute following recent departures. Earlier this month, Manchester City permitted Savio and Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham, reducing the depth of options available to City’s manager Enzo Maresca on the flanks.
In City’s recent Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, the team fielded no traditional wingers on the bench; instead, Phil Foden – a player Maresca openly acknowledged is not a natural winger – was deployed on the wing, highlighting the scarcity of specialist wide players. The transfer saga surrounding Gakpo is further complicated by interest from other clubs.
Everton and Sunderland have been linked with Jack Grealish, who reportedly prefers a return to Everton, and his absence from Liverpool’s matchday squad against Palace has limited the Reds’ creative alternatives. Tottenham, having previously targeted Gakpo before securing Savio and Marmoush, remain in the mix, adding another layer of competition for the Dutch forward’s signature. Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s head coach, offered a measured response on Saturday 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 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 comment reflects the club’s cautious optimism while they await the outcome of ongoing negotiations. Barcola’s prospective move to Liverpool has been the subject of extensive reporting.
Sky Sports disclosed that a preliminary agreement in principle has been reached for a package valued at around £120 million. The deal’s structure involves an initial £106 million fee, with up to £17 million in add‑ons contingent on performance criteria. The clubs must still exchange official documentation, and Barcola is required to pass a medical examination before the transfer can be completed. Earlier in the summer, a valuation gap existed, with PSG initially demanding roughly £145 million for the 23‑year‑old Frenchman.
The revised figure now positions Barcola as Liverpool’s second‑most expensive signing ever, trailing only the club‑record £125 million acquisition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United last season. Beyond Barcola, Liverpool continue to hunt for another winger to complement their attacking line‑up. Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr has emerged as a potential target, especially after Liverpool’s attempts to secure Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh encountered difficulties.
Securing a second new wide player would provide Iraola with greater tactical flexibility and depth, crucial for navigating the congested schedule of domestic and European competitions. In summary, the transfer window remains a dynamic and fluid environment for Liverpool. The club is juggling multiple high‑profile pursuits, balancing the desire to retain key talents like Gakpo while simultaneously integrating fresh acquisitions such as Barcola and Muñoz. Manchester City’s renewed interest in Gakpo adds a competitive edge to the negotiations, potentially influencing Liverpool’s final decision.
As the window draws to a close, fans can expect further updates on these deals, which will shape the composition of both the Reds and the Citizens for the upcoming season.