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 decision was driven largely by concerns over finding a suitable replacement for Gakpo should he depart. At present, the Reds are not prepared to let the 25‑year‑old leave during this summer’s transfer window, which has forced City to re‑evaluate their options and turn their attention back to Ndiaye. The negotiations are moving at a rapid pace.
After Liverpool rebuffed City’s bid for Gakpo, Tottenham Hotspur re‑emerged as a serious contender for Ndiaye, having already agreed on a £60 million fee with Everton. In parallel, Manchester City have opened direct talks with Everton regarding the possible acquisition of Jack Grealish, who is believed to favour a move to Goodison Park. Grealish also appears to have attracted interest from Sunderland, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing transfer saga. City’s strategic objective this window is clear: they want to secure a wide‑forward and a central midfielder before the deadline.
Their primary targets are Iliman Ndiaye, a dynamic attacker known for his pace and versatility, and Enzo Fernández, the Argentine midfielder who impressed with his composure and passing range at River Plate before moving to Europe. The club’s recent activity suggests a willingness to reshuffle their squad aggressively. Earlier in the month, Manchester City permitted the departures of forward Savio and winger Omar Marmoush to Tottenham, thereby freeing up space on the flanks and reducing the number of wing‑options available to manager Pep Guardiola’s assistant, Enzo Maresca.
The ripple effects of these moves are being felt across the league. Liverpool, for their part, have been active in the market as well. On Monday, they secured the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain, a young French talent praised for his technical ability and work ethic.
Earlier in the summer, Liverpool also added Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, bolstering their midfield depth. These acquisitions indicate that while Liverpool are reluctant to part with Gakpo, they are nonetheless preparing for a season that may require additional squad depth.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have also been busy. The North London club had previously set their sights on Gakpo, but after Liverpool’s rejection they redirected their resources toward acquiring Savio and Marmoush, both of whom now wear the Spurs badge. The club’s pursuit of Gakpo earlier in the window underscores the high regard in which the Dutch winger is held across the Premier League.
City’s approach to the transfer market this summer has been characterized by a blend of ambition and pragmatism. They have not named a winger among the substitutes in their recent 2‑0 victory over Crystal Palace, opting instead to start Phil Foden – traditionally a central attacking midfielder – on the wing at Selhurst Park. This tactical flexibility reflects Guardiola’s willingness to experiment with player positions to cover any gaps that may arise from outgoing transfers. The broader context of these negotiations is the intense competition among England’s top clubs to secure emerging talents before the window closes.
With the deadline looming, clubs are weighing immediate needs against long‑term strategic plans. Liverpool’s refusal to sell Gakpo suggests they view him as integral to their attacking blueprint for the upcoming season, while Manchester City’s pivot to Ndiaye and Fernández highlights their desire to refresh the squad with youthful vigor and technical proficiency. Fans across the country are closely monitoring the developments, especially as the Premier League’s Transfer Centre LIVE app provides real‑time updates on deals, rumors, and confirmed signings. The platform also offers streaming options for the league, encouraging supporters to stay engaged with the latest news.
In addition, promotional campaigns such as the Super 6 competition, which promises a £1 million prize, keep the audience entertained while they await the final outcomes of the transfer market. In summary, Liverpool have turned down a substantial £80 million bid for Cody Gakpo, prompting Manchester City to redirect their pursuit toward Iliman Ndiaye and Enzo Fernández.
The transfer window remains highly fluid, with Tottenham, Everton, and even Sunderland entering the fray for various targets. As clubs continue to negotiate, the final roster configurations for the 2024‑25 Premier League season will likely be shaped by a combination of strategic signings, player preferences, and the ever‑present pressure to assemble a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.