MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — Manchester City have opened formal talks with Liverpool over a potential move for Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, with the 27-year-old emerging as one of the key storylines of the final days of the summer transfer window.
According to BBC Sport, City made formal contact with Liverpool on Saturday evening as they explore a deal for the Dutch attacker. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the player, but Gakpo is understood to favour a move to the Etihad Stadium if he decides to leave Anfield before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Liverpool are reluctant to sanction Gakpo’s departure without first bringing in another forward. The Reds have been linked with Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace attacker Ismaïla Sarr as they consider their options in attack. However, time is running out, with the deadline less than 72 hours away.
Gakpo’s future has become increasingly uncertain following Liverpool’s agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal worth up to £123 million. The arrival of the French international has heightened competition for places in Liverpool’s forward line, raising questions about Gakpo’s role in the squad.
The Dutch forward joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has since established himself as an important member of the squad, scoring 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances. His versatility across the front line has made him a valuable asset under manager Andoni Iraola.
Gakpo was involved again for Liverpool on Saturday, providing the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. He had also scored in Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle the previous week, demonstrating his continued importance to the team despite the speculation surrounding his future.
For Manchester City, the pursuit of Gakpo represents a late move to bolster their attacking options as they look to defend their Premier League title. City manager Pep Guardiola has been keen to add more firepower to his squad, and Gakpo’s ability to play across the forward line makes him an attractive option.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Liverpool now face a race against time to decide Gakpo’s future and potentially secure a replacement before allowing him to leave. If the Reds can bring in a replacement quickly, a deal with City could materialise. However, if they fail to secure a signing, they may be forced to keep Gakpo until at least the January window.
Tottenham remain an alternative for Gakpo, but the player’s preference for a move to City could prove decisive. As the clock ticks down to the deadline, all eyes will be on whether this late-window drama results in one of the most significant transfers of the summer.
