Manchester City Initiates Talks with Liverpool for Cody Gakpo Transfer

New Delhi, India Aug 30, 2026 ALN: Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool about signing attacker Cody Gakpo. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing transfer window, as Gakpo's future is poised to become one of the most discussed topics among fans, analysts, and pundits alike.

The 27-year-old Netherlands forward has garnered substantial interest from top clubs, with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur leading the charge. However, sources indicate that City is Gakpo's preferred destination should he decide to leave Liverpool before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. This preference could stem from City’s competitive squad and their recent successes, which often attract players looking to enhance their careers.

City made formal contact with Liverpool regarding a potential move for Gakpo on Saturday evening, igniting speculation about the forward's status at Anfield. This inquiry follows Liverpool's recent agreement to sign Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal that could reach up to £123 million. The acquisition of Barcola, a highly-rated talent, suggests that Liverpool is looking to bolster their attacking options, which may have implications for Gakpo's future.

However, it is understood that Liverpool would prefer to secure another forward before allowing Gakpo's exit this summer. The club has shown interest in Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr as potential reinforcements. The timing of these negotiations is crucial, as the transfer window is rapidly closing, and Liverpool must weigh the benefits of retaining Gakpo against the necessity of strengthening their squad.

Gakpo joined Liverpool from his boyhood club PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a fee reported to be around £35 million. Since his arrival, he has made a significant impact, scoring 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances. His versatility and ability to play in multiple attacking roles have made him a valuable asset for the team. On Saturday, he provided an assist for Alexander Isak's goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield, further showcasing his importance to Liverpool's attacking setup. He had also found the net in last week's draw against Newcastle, indicating that he is in good form as the season progresses.

'Liverpool taking massive risk' - analysis

Liverpool views Gakpo as a proven multi-functional Premier League attacker, and his contributions in the early stages of the season have reinforced this perception. With a goal and an assist in their first two matches, Gakpo's performance has underscored his potential to influence games significantly. However, throughout the summer, it has been understood that if Liverpool successfully brings in the attacking players they desire, they would not obstruct Gakpo's departure if a substantial offer were to materialize.

Given the late stage of the transfer window, the discussions between Liverpool and Manchester City necessitate careful consideration. The Anfield side must evaluate whether it is prudent to let Gakpo go, especially as they are also seeking to bring in another winger before the deadline. The emergence of Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha, combined with Barcola's impending arrival from PSG, has created a competitive environment for starting positions within the squad. Gakpo is likely aware that his role may be diminished if these new signings come to fruition, making a potential transfer more appealing.

Financially, a deal for around £85 million would represent a significant profit for Liverpool, considering they acquired Gakpo for £35 million after the 2022 World Cup. This potential windfall could provide the club with additional resources to invest in other areas of the squad, particularly as they look to maintain competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.

However, the club faces a dilemma. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined until 2027 due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and Isak's injury concerns, allowing Gakpo to depart could leave Liverpool vulnerable in their attacking lineup. The risks associated with losing a player of Gakpo's caliber cannot be understated, especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League, where injuries and form fluctuations can significantly impact a team's performance.

As the transfer window nears its conclusion, the dynamics surrounding Cody Gakpo’s potential move to Manchester City will continue to evolve. Liverpool's management must balance immediate squad needs against long-term financial strategy, while Gakpo himself must consider his career trajectory and the opportunities that lie ahead. The outcome of these negotiations could have lasting implications for both clubs as they navigate the complexities of player transfers in a highly competitive environment.