Liverpool have firmly declined an £80 million approach from Manchester City for their Dutch winger Cody Gakpo, prompting the Premier League 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 securing an adequate replacement for Gakpo before the summer transfer window shuts. At present, the Reds are unwilling to part with the 25‑year‑old attacker during this window, a decision that has effectively reopened the door for City to pursue Ndiaye.
Negotiations appear to be moving at a rapid pace following City’s rebuff on the Gakpo deal. Tottenham Hotspur had previously agreed on a fee of around £60 million with Everton for Ndiaye, and City have already entered preliminary talks with the Toffees regarding a potential swap involving Jack Grealish. Everton are reportedly leaning toward allowing Grealish to join Manchester City, although the Merseyside club also faces interest from Sunderland for the English midfielder.
City’s transfer strategy this summer appears to be centred on bolstering both the wide‑forward and central‑midfield areas before the deadline. In addition to Ndiaye, they have shown a keen interest in the Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernández, who could provide the creative spark Pep Guardiola seeks.
Earlier in the month, Manchester City facilitated the departures of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham, a move that trimmed the squad’s depth on the flanks and gave Enzo Maresca – the club’s head of recruitment – fewer options when considering wing‑back alternatives. The club’s recruitment staff have been working around the clock, juggling multiple targets while trying to maintain a balanced roster. City’s recent Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace highlighted their tactical flexibility.
The manager did not name a traditional winger among the substitutes, opting instead to start Phil Foden – a player Maresca has publicly acknowledged is not a natural wide‑man – in an advanced wide role at Selhurst Park. This decision underscores the club’s willingness to experiment with positional fluidity, especially as they search for a specialist winger to complement their attacking line‑up. Meanwhile, Liverpool have been active on their own transfer front. On Monday, they secured the services of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain, adding a young, technically gifted forward to their ranks.
Earlier in the summer, they also signed Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, further reinforcing their squad depth. Both acquisitions reflect Liverpool’s intent to refresh the attacking department without sacrificing quality.
Tottenham, for their part, had shown interest in Gakpo earlier in the window before ultimately deciding on Savio and Marmoush as their primary targets for the wing. The Spurs’ pursuit of the Dutch international demonstrates the high regard in which Gakpo is held across the league, but Liverpool’s refusal to negotiate indicates they view him as a critical component of Jürgen Klopp’s plans for the upcoming season.
The broader transfer narrative this summer has been characterised by a series of strategic pivots. Manchester City, after being rebuffed by Liverpool, have redirected their resources toward Everton’s young talent pool, while simultaneously keeping an eye on the midfield market with names like Enzo Fernández. Liverpool, on the other hand, are prioritising continuity and are reluctant to lose a player of Gakpo’s calibre without a proven replacement in place. Fans of both clubs can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments via the Transfer Centre LIVE feature on the Sky Sports app, which offers real‑time alerts and analysis.
The platform also promotes a subscription‑free Premier League streaming option, encouraging supporters to follow the action on the go. In addition to the high‑profile deals, there are ancillary storylines that add colour to the transfer saga.
For instance, Manchester City’s bench selection for the recent Crystal Palace match omitted any designated winger, a tactical choice that sparked debate among pundits about the club’s depth in that position. Moreover, the ongoing speculation surrounding Jack Grealish’s potential move to Everton – a club that has historically been a stepping stone for high‑profile players – adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex market.
As the deadline looms, clubs across the Premier League are scrambling to finalise their squads. Liverpool’s steadfast stance on Gakpo suggests they are prepared to enter the new season with a core group that mirrors last year’s successful formula, while Manchester City’s diversified approach indicates they are willing to adapt and secure multiple targets to maintain their competitive edge. The next few weeks will likely see a flurry of activity, with negotiations, medicals, and contract signings shaping the final roster for each team.
For supporters eager to engage beyond the pitch, Sky Sports is currently running a Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £1 million with no entry fee. This promotion, alongside the live transfer updates, aims to keep fans immersed in both the sporting and entertainment aspects of the beautiful game.