Manchester City have formally entered discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The timing of the approach comes relatively late in the summer window, prompting Liverpool to assess their options carefully as the deadline approaches.
According to a source speaking to Sky Sports News, the interest from the Premier League champions is gaining momentum, especially as Tottenham Hotspur have also shown a desire to sign the versatile attacker. Negotiations are reportedly progressing on both clubs' sides, with talks now focusing on personal terms for Gakpo, who has established himself as a key figure for the Netherlands national team.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are not standing still on the transfer front. The club is on the cusp of finalising a deal for French winger Bradley Barcola, who is set to join from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial fee of £106 million, potentially rising to £123 million with add‑ons. In addition, Victor Muñoz arrived from Osasuna earlier in the summer, adding further depth to the squad. In recent weeks, Manchester City have also been active in the market.
The club allowed forwards Savio and Omar Marmoush to depart for Tottenham, which has reduced the number of wing options available to City manager Enzo Maresca. This was evident in City’s recent Premier League match against Crystal Palace, where no traditional winger featured on the bench. Instead, Phil Foden – a player Maresca has publicly noted is not a natural winger – was deployed on the flank at Selhurst Park.
The transfer saga surrounding Gakpo is part of a broader flurry of activity involving several clubs. Everton and Sunderland have expressed interest in Jack Grealish, with the English midfielder reportedly preferring a return to Everton.
Grealish’s absence from the squad against Palace further limited Liverpool’s attacking alternatives. Tottenham, after initially targeting Gakpo, shifted their focus and secured the signings of Savio and Marmoush, indicating that the competition for the Dutch forward’s signature remains intense. On Saturday, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola remained deliberately vague about Gakpo’s future following the team's 1‑1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. After Gakpo provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal, 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." The Barcola deal, meanwhile, appears to be nearing completion. Sky Sports reported that Liverpool and PSG have reached an agreement in principle on a package worth roughly £120 million.
The structure of the deal involves an upfront payment of £106 million, with up to £17 million in performance‑related add‑ons. The transfer will only be finalised once the clubs exchange the necessary paperwork and Barcola passes a medical examination.
Earlier in the summer, there was a notable valuation gap between Liverpool and PSG, with the French side initially demanding around £145 million for the 23‑year‑old. The latest agreement reflects a compromise that sees Barcola sign a five‑year contract with Iraola’s side, making him Liverpool’s second‑most expensive signing after the record‑breaking acquisition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million last season. Liverpool’s pursuit of additional wing talent continues. The club has identified Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr as a potential target, while also navigating complex negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion over Yankuba Minteh.
These moves underscore Liverpool’s intent to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign. In summary, Manchester City’s outreach to Liverpool for Cody Gakpo adds another layer of intrigue to an already busy transfer window. Both clubs must weigh immediate needs against long‑term strategy, while Liverpool simultaneously works to secure Barcola and explore further winger acquisitions. As the deadline looms, fans can expect more developments, press conferences, and possibly last‑minute deals that could reshape the Premier League landscape for the upcoming season.