Manchester City have formally opened discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The timing of the approach is noteworthy, as Liverpool are still assessing their own options late in the summer window. According to a source speaking to Sky Sports News, the interest from City is gaining momentum, especially as Tottenham Hotspur have also shown a keen eye on the versatile attacker.
The negotiations are not limited to club-to-club talks; personal terms with the Netherlands international are also being hammered out. While Liverpool are busy finalising the signing of French winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain – a deal structured at an initial £106 million with possible add‑ons that could raise the total to £123 million – they have already secured the arrival of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna earlier in the season. In recent weeks, Manchester City have reshaped their wing options. The club permitted Savio and Omar Marmoush to depart for Tottenham, a move that trimmed the choices available to manager Enzo Maresca on the flanks.
This summer, City even started a match against Crystal Palace without naming a traditional winger on the bench, opting instead to deploy Phil Foden – a player Maresca himself has admitted is not a natural winger – in a wide role at Selhurst Park. The transfer market narrative is further complicated by interest in other high‑profile players.
Everton and Sunderland have both been linked with Jack Grealish, who is believed to favour a return to Everton, and his absence from the squad against Palace has left the Toffees with fewer options on the right side. Tottenham, after initially targeting Gakpo, redirected their focus and secured Savio and Marmoush, indicating the fluid nature of summer deals. Liverpool’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, remained deliberately vague about Gakpo’s future after Liverpool’s home draw with Nottingham Forest.
Following Gakpo’s assist for Alexander Isak’s goal at Anfield, Iraola told TNT that the club would have a few days to evaluate the situation, adding, "We’ll see what happens with everyone in the next two or three days. I’m looking forward to September 2 when we know the final squad composition. It’s true we created both goals from the right side and they were very good goals." Barcola’s pending move to Anfield is another cornerstone of Liverpool’s summer strategy. Sky Sports reported that a principle agreement had been reached for a transfer package worth roughly £120 million, with an upfront payment of £106 million and up to £17 million in performance‑related add‑ons.
The clubs still need to exchange official documentation and Barcola must pass a medical examination before the deal is sealed. Earlier in the window, PSG had valued the 23‑year‑old at around £145 million, but Liverpool have negotiated a structure that satisfies both parties. If completed, Barcola will sign a five‑year contract extending to 2031, making him the second‑most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history, behind the club‑record £125 million acquisition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United last summer. Beyond Barcola, Liverpool are actively scouting for a second winger to complement their attacking options.
Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr has emerged as a primary target, especially after protracted negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion over Yankuba Minteh stalled. Securing Sarr would provide Liverpool with additional depth and versatility on the right flank, a position that has seen considerable turnover this season. The broader context of these moves reflects the intense competition among Premier League clubs to secure elite talent before the transfer deadline. Manchester City’s pursuit of Gakpo underscores their desire to reinforce a squad that already boasts a wealth of attacking talent, while Liverpool’s aggressive spending on Barcola and potential interest in Sarr signal an ambition to rejuvenate their front line after a mixed campaign.
Fans can stay updated on the evolving situation through various platforms. Sky Sports encourages viewers to use the Chrome browser for an optimized video player experience and promotes its mobile app for live Premier League coverage.
Additionally, the network highlights promotional offers such as streaming the league without a contract and participating in contests like the Super 6, where participants can enter for free for a chance to win £1 million. In summary, the summer transfer market remains highly dynamic.
Manchester City’s opening of talks with Liverpool over Cody Gakpo adds another layer of intrigue, especially as the Dutchman’s personal terms are being negotiated alongside Liverpool’s own high‑profile signings. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the tactical approaches of both clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season, with wing play and attacking versatility at the forefront of their strategic planning.