Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over a potential move for Dutch international forward Cody Gakpo as the transfer deadline approaches. City made direct contact with Liverpool on Saturday after previously exploring the player’s situation with his representatives. Tottenham Hotspur remain interested, but Gakpo is reportedly leaning toward Manchester City if he leaves Anfield before Tuesday’s deadline. Discussions over personal terms are also understood to be taking place.
Liverpool are carefully assessing the situation because of the late timing of City’s approach. The Anfield hierarchy is not expected to approve Gakpo’s departure unless suitable replacements are secured before the transfer window closes. A major step toward that condition is close to completion, with Liverpool finalizing a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola for an initial £106 million, potentially rising to £123 million with add-ons.
Barcola is primarily a left-sided forward and could replace Gakpo in that position. However, Liverpool still want to strengthen their attack further before sanctioning the Dutchman’s exit. The club have already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna and are also considering another right winger, with Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr among the reported options.
Liverpool have also seen the emergence of teenage winger Rio Ngumoha, giving manager Andoni Iraola another option on the left. With Barcola arriving and additional attacking targets being considered, Gakpo is aware that his position as an automatic starter could become less secure.
The Netherlands international remains under contract at Liverpool and continues to be involved with the first team. He started and provided an assist in Liverpool’s 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, demonstrating that he remains an important member of Iraola’s squad despite the transfer speculation.
Iraola has refused to guarantee that Gakpo will stay at Anfield, but he has praised the forward’s attitude and influence since returning from his post-World Cup break. The manager would prefer to retain him, although Liverpool’s final decision will depend on the incoming transfers and the terms offered by any interested club.
Manchester City’s interest has emerged after Savinho and Omar Marmoush moved to Tottenham. City are therefore looking to add another wide forward, and Gakpo’s ability to play on the left or through the middle makes him an attractive option.
Tottenham had been pursuing Gakpo for much of the summer and had reportedly agreed personal terms with the player, but their recent signings from Manchester City may have altered the situation. City now appear to be the Dutchman’s preferred destination should Liverpool authorize a sale.
The final outcome will depend on whether Liverpool can complete their remaining winger business before the deadline and whether Manchester City are prepared to meet the Reds’ valuation. For now, Gakpo remains a Liverpool player, but the late involvement of City has turned the transfer into one of the most closely watched stories of the final days of the window.
