Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over a blockbuster move for Cody Gakpo, with the Netherlands international understood to favour a switch to the Etihad Stadium as the Premier League clubs attempt to reach an agreement before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
City formally contacted Liverpool on Saturday evening and negotiations have since progressed, according to multiple reports. Tottenham Hotspur have also shown concrete interest in the 27-year-old, but Gakpo’s preference is understood to be Manchester City if Liverpool sanction his departure.
Importantly, no transfer has yet been completed. While reports on Sunday suggested City have made an opening bid and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached, Liverpool are still considering their position because the approach has arrived so late in the window. Discussions over personal terms between City and Gakpo’s representatives are also underway.
Liverpool value Gakpo at around £85m
Liverpool could demand a package worth up to £85 million for Gakpo, substantially more than the approximately £44 million they paid PSV Eindhoven to sign him in January 2023. Reports suggest the £85 million package City received from Tottenham for Savinho — £75 million plus £10 million in add-ons — could serve as a benchmark in negotiations.
City’s interest has intensified after allowing Savinho and Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham this summer, leaving manager Enzo Maresca short of established options on the flanks. City did not have a recognised winger among their substitutes during Friday’s victory over Crystal Palace, while Phil Foden was deployed out wide despite Maresca acknowledging that it is not his natural position.
The possibility of Jack Grealish leaving before the deadline could further increase City’s need for another attacker. Gakpo’s ability to operate from the left as well as through central areas makes him an attractive option.
Barcola arrival changes Liverpool equation
Gakpo’s situation is closely connected to Liverpool’s move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle that could eventually be worth up to £123 million for the France international, with Barcola due to complete the formalities of his move.
The 23-year-old primarily operates from the left, where Gakpo has established himself for Liverpool, and his arrival would significantly increase competition in that area.
Liverpool, however, have also been looking for another wide forward following Mohamed Salah’s departure. Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh remains among their targets, while the club have also enquired about Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr.
That search could prove decisive in Gakpo’s future. Liverpool may be more comfortable sanctioning an £85 million sale if they are satisfied that Andoni Iraola’s attacking options will remain sufficiently strong after the transfer window closes.
Gakpo impresses despite uncertainty
The uncertainty over his future has not prevented Gakpo from making a strong start to the season. He started Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday and created Alexander Isak’s equaliser.
Gakpo has registered a goal and two assists across Liverpool’s opening two Premier League matches, making the prospect of selling an in-form attacker to a direct domestic rival a significant decision for the Anfield hierarchy.
He has scored 51 goals in 182 appearances since arriving from PSV, establishing himself as a versatile member of Liverpool’s attack.
Deal not done yet
Despite reports portraying a move as increasingly likely, the situation remains fluid. The strongest established developments as of Sunday are that City have formally approached Liverpool, talks between the clubs are underway, personal terms are being discussed and Gakpo prefers City over the other options available to him.
Liverpool’s valuation, the timing of City’s approach and the Reds’ ability to complete their own attacking recruitment remain the major obstacles.
With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, the negotiations are now expected to accelerate, leaving Liverpool with a major decision over whether an offer approaching £85 million is enough to justify selling one of their in-form forwards to a Premier League rival.