Manchester City have made a major move in their pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with reports indicating that the Dutch international has agreed terms with the Premier League champions as negotiations between the two clubs continue.
The potential transfer has quickly become one of the biggest stories of the final days of the summer window, with Manchester City understood to be discussing a package worth around £85 million for the versatile attacker.
Gakpo has reportedly made his preference clear and wants to move to the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City are now working to reach an agreement with Liverpool, while the Reds are believed to be prepared to sanction the transfer if they can secure a suitable replacement before the window closes.
Manchester City Make Their Move for Gakpo
The situation surrounding Gakpo has developed rapidly after Manchester City entered the race for the Liverpool attacker.
The 27 year old has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, but City have emerged as the leading destination after stepping up their efforts.
Reports indicate that negotiations are now progressing between City and Liverpool, with the proposed package understood to be in the region of £85 million. The figure would represent a significant investment in a player who remains under contract at Anfield until 2030.
Gakpo’s decision to favour Manchester City could prove decisive. While Tottenham have also been strongly interested, the Dutchman is reportedly attracted by the opportunity to join the reigning Premier League champions and compete at the highest level.
However, the deal is not yet officially completed. Liverpool’s position remains important, with the club reportedly unwilling to allow Gakpo to leave unless they are satisfied with their options in attack.
Liverpool Already Preparing for Life After Gakpo
The timing of the transfer speculation is particularly interesting because Liverpool have already made a major move in the attacking market.
The Reds have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £123 million, including a £106 million initial payment and potential add-ons. The French winger is expected to undergo his medical before completing the move.
Barcola’s arrival would give Liverpool another high-level option on the left side of their attack and could make Gakpo’s departure easier to accommodate.
Liverpool are also understood to be considering additional attacking options, with Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Ismaïla Sarr of Crystal Palace among the players linked with a potential move to Anfield.
That means the final stages of the Gakpo saga could depend heavily on whether Liverpool complete another attacking signing.
Who Is Cody Gakpo?
Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on May 7, 1999, Cody Mathès Gakpo developed through the youth system of PSV Eindhoven, the club based in his hometown.
He joined PSV’s academy as a youngster and progressed through the ranks before making his professional debut for Jong PSV in 2016. His development continued rapidly and he broke into the PSV first team in 2018.
Gakpo established himself as one of the Netherlands’ most exciting attacking players during his time in Eindhoven. Primarily a left winger, he has also demonstrated the ability to operate through the middle as a forward, giving him the versatility that has made him attractive to top European clubs.
During his PSV career, Gakpo developed a reputation for his powerful running, ability to attack defenders one-on-one, intelligent movement and capacity to contribute both goals and assists.
His performances eventually attracted Liverpool, who moved quickly to sign him in January 2023 after the player had impressed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with the Netherlands.
From PSV Star to Liverpool Forward
Gakpo arrived at Liverpool with considerable expectations and quickly demonstrated that he could adapt to the intensity of English football.
His ability to play across the frontline has been one of his biggest strengths. Although naturally comfortable from the left, he can also operate as a central forward, giving managers additional tactical flexibility.
At Liverpool, Gakpo has competed alongside some of the biggest attacking names in European football and has contributed goals in domestic and European competitions.
His time at Anfield has also seen him develop into a more complete forward, combining his physical qualities with improved tactical awareness and finishing.
Now, however, his Liverpool career could be approaching an unexpected conclusion.
Why Manchester City Want Gakpo
For Manchester City, Gakpo would provide another versatile attacking option capable of playing multiple positions.
His height, strength and ability to carry the ball make him different from some of City’s other wide players. He can stretch defences from the flank but can also move centrally and provide an additional goal threat.
City’s interest also comes at a time when their attacking options are undergoing significant changes.
The potential arrival of Gakpo would therefore give the club another experienced Premier League forward who understands the demands of English football.
The biggest question, however, is whether City and Liverpool can complete the financial agreement before the transfer deadline.
Deal Not Yet Official
Despite reports that Gakpo has agreed terms with Manchester City, the transfer should not yet be described as completed.
The crucial stage remains negotiations between Liverpool and Manchester City.
The clubs are reportedly discussing a package worth around £85 million, while Liverpool are expected to consider Gakpo’s departure if they can bring in an appropriate replacement.
With the transfer window rapidly approaching its conclusion, the coming hours could determine whether one of the summer’s biggest Premier League transfer stories becomes reality.
If completed, Gakpo would make the controversial move from Liverpool to one of their biggest domestic rivals, adding another fascinating chapter to the growing history of high-profile transfers between Premier League giants.
For now, Manchester City are pushing, Gakpo reportedly wants the move, and Liverpool are weighing up their options.
The next step is for the two clubs to reach an agreement.
