Liverpool have firmly declined an £80 million proposal from Manchester City for their Dutch winger Cody Gakvo, prompting the Premier League giants to shift their focus toward Everton’s promising forward Iliman Ndiaye. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Liverpool’s hesitation stems from doubts about finding an adequate replacement for the 25‑year‑old international within the remaining weeks of the summer market. Consequently, the club has signalled that Gakpo will stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future, effectively closing the door on any immediate transfer this window.
With the City offer for Gakpo rejected, the capital club’s recruitment strategy has quickly pivoted. Reports suggest that Manchester City have already entered advanced talks with Everton concerning a £60 million fee for Ndiaye, a versatile attacker who can operate across the front line.
The Merseyside side have also been in contact with City about the possible return of Jack Grealish, who is reportedly keen on a move back to the club that originally signed him. Everton appear to be leaning toward Grealish as their preferred destination, though Sunderland have also expressed interest in the England international. City’s broader transfer agenda remains ambitious.
The club is said to be targeting a wide‑forward and a central midfielder before the window shuts, with Ndiaye and the Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernández high on their wish list. Earlier this month, Manchester City facilitated the moves of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur, a decision that has narrowed the options for Enzo Maresca’s preferred wing alternatives. The reduction in wing‑player depth has likely accelerated City’s urgency to secure a new wide attacker. The latest developments were highlighted during a recent Premier League match where City did not feature a traditional winger on the bench against Crystal Palace.
Instead, Phil Foden – a player Maresca himself admitted does not naturally occupy a wide role – was deployed on the flank at Selhurst Park, underscoring the club’s current shortage of specialist wide‑players. Liverpool, meanwhile, have been active on their own recruitment front.
On Monday the Reds secured the services of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain, adding a youthful, technically gifted forward to their attacking options. Earlier in the summer, they also completed the signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, bolstering their midfield depth. These acquisitions suggest that while Liverpool are reluctant to part with Gakvo now, they are still preparing for potential future departures by reinforcing the squad.
Tottenham Hotspur, who were also linked with Gakvo earlier in the window, ultimately opted to bring in Savio and Marmoush instead. Their decision indicates that the competition for top‑class wingers remains fierce, and clubs are willing to pivot quickly when primary targets become unavailable. The transfer saga illustrates the intricate balancing act faced by top‑tier clubs during the summer market.
Manchester City, after being rebuffed by Liverpool, have swiftly redirected their resources toward Everton, hoping to secure a high‑impact player before the deadline. Liverpool, on the other hand, appear to be prioritising squad stability over immediate financial gain, wary that losing Gakvo without a ready replacement could weaken their attacking potency in the upcoming season. Fans of both clubs will be watching closely as negotiations continue. If City succeed in acquiring Ndiaye and perhaps Enzo Fernández, they could significantly enhance their depth and tactical flexibility.
Conversely, Liverpool’s decision to retain Gakvo may pay dividends if the Dutch international continues his strong form, contributing goals and assists that could be pivotal in the title race. The transfer window remains open, and with just days left, further surprises are likely.
Clubs across the league are still evaluating their options, weighing the benefits of immediate reinforcement against the risk of over‑paying for talent. As the deadline approaches, the market is expected to become even more frenetic, with last‑minute deals and loan moves potentially reshaping the composition of several Premier League squads. For supporters eager to stay updated, the Sky Sports Transfer Centre offers live coverage on mobile devices, and the Sky Sports app provides streaming of Premier League action without a binding contract. Additionally, Sky’s Super 6 competition offers fans a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available for those who wish to test their luck while following the latest transfer news.