Manchester City have reportedly entered the negotiation phase with Liverpool in an effort to bring Dutch forward Cody Gakpo to the Etihad Stadium. The timing of the approach, which has arrived relatively late in the summer transfer window, means Liverpool will need to assess their options quickly and decide whether to entertain the bid or continue with their own recruitment plans. According to a source speaking to Sky Sports News, the interest from City is gaining momentum, especially as Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 26‑year‑old winger.
While the exact figures have not been disclosed, discussions are reportedly advancing on both clubs' sides, with personal terms for the Netherlands international also being examined. This suggests that the clubs are not merely testing the waters but are seriously considering a move that could reshape the attacking options for both teams.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are busy finalising their own incoming transfers. The club is on the brink of completing the signing of French forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain for an initial fee of £106 million, potentially rising to £123 million when add‑on clauses are triggered.
In addition, they secured the services of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna earlier in the summer, adding depth to the squad. These acquisitions indicate that Liverpool are looking to refresh their attacking line‑up, but the departure of a player of Gakpo’s calibre would still leave a noticeable gap.
City’s recent activity on the wings has been notable. Earlier this month they allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to depart for Tottenham, a move that reduced the number of wide‑players available to manager Enzo Maresca.
In their recent Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, City did not name a single winger on the bench, opting instead to start Phil Foden—who Maresca himself admitted is not a traditional winger—out wide. This tactical decision underlines the club’s desire to bring in a specialist wide‑player who can provide both creativity and a goal threat from the flanks.
The interest in Gakpo is not limited to Manchester City. Everton and Sunderland have reportedly expressed a desire to sign Jack Grealish, who is believed to favour a return to Everton. Grealish’s absence from the squad against Palace further highlights the scarcity of quality options on the wings for several clubs.
Tottenham, after signing Savio and Marmoush, had also targeted Gakpo earlier in the window but were unable to close the deal before the City bid emerged. Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s head coach, remained non‑committal about Gakpo’s future after the team's 2‑2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. In the post‑match interview, Iraola mentioned that the club would have a few days to evaluate the situation and decide on the best course of action.
He also praised Gakpo’s contribution in the match, noting that the Dutch forward provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal and that both goals were produced from the right side of the pitch. Barcola’s transfer is also a key piece of Liverpool’s broader strategy. Sky Sports reported that an agreement in principle has been reached for a package worth roughly £120 million, with an upfront payment of £106 million and up to £17 million in performance‑related add‑ons.
The Frenchman is set to sign a five‑year contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2031. If the deal is completed, Barcola will become Liverpool’s second‑most expensive signing, trailing only the club‑record £125 million fee paid for Alexander Isak last summer.
Beyond Barcola, Liverpool are still hunting for a second winger to complement their attack. Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr is reportedly on their radar, while negotiations with Brighton for Yankuba Minteh have proven challenging. The club’s recruitment strategy appears focused on securing pace, versatility, and goal‑scoring ability on the flanks, attributes that Gakpo possesses in abundance.
Should City succeed in securing Gakpo, the implications would be significant for both clubs. Manchester City would add a dynamic, left‑footed forward capable of cutting inside, delivering crosses, and scoring from distance, thereby enhancing their depth ahead of a demanding season that includes domestic and European commitments. Liverpool, on the other hand, would need to accelerate their plans to replace Gakpo, potentially looking to promote a youngster from the academy or to identify another external target before the window closes.
The transfer saga continues to unfold, with fans and pundits alike speculating on the final outcome. As the deadline approaches, both clubs are expected to fine‑tune their offers and assess the financial and sporting ramifications of any potential move.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Cody Gakpo will don the sky‑blue jersey of Manchester City or remain at Anfield to continue his development under Iraola’s guidance.