Manchester City have opened formal discussions with Liverpool about signing Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, with the attacker’s future emerging as one of the main stories of the final three days of the transfer window.
City made contact with Liverpool on Saturday evening as they assess a possible move for the 27-year-old before Tuesday’s deadline.
Gakpo has also attracted concrete interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but sources indicate that Manchester City would be his preferred destination if he is allowed to leave Anfield this summer.
The potential transfer follows Liverpool’s agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal worth up to £123m. That move has increased focus on the Premier League club’s attacking options and on whether Gakpo could depart.
Liverpool would, however, prefer to bring in another forward before sanctioning Gakpo’s exit. The club is interested in Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr as possible additions.
Gakpo joined Liverpool from his boyhood club PSV Eindhoven in January 2023. Since then, he has scored 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances.
He was involved again for Liverpool on Saturday, providing the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal as Andoni Iraola’s side drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Gakpo had also scored in the previous week’s draw at Newcastle.
The Netherlands international’s position is therefore set to remain under close scrutiny as the transfer deadline approaches. Manchester City’s formal approach means Liverpool must now decide whether to retain a forward who has been a regular contributor since arriving from PSV Eindhoven or allow him to leave if suitable attacking cover can be secured.
Tottenham Hotspur’s interest provides Gakpo with another possible option, but the indications are that Manchester City are the attacker’s preferred choice should he move away from Liverpool.
Any decision is also linked to the arrival of Barcola. Liverpool have agreed a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain winger worth up to £123m, but the club still wants another forward before approving Gakpo’s departure.
With only three days remaining in the transfer window, negotiations involving Manchester City, Liverpool and Gakpo are expected to be among the key developments before Tuesday’s closing deadline.
