Sports30 August, 20263 min read
Manchester City Open Talks With Liverpool To Sign Netherlands Forward Cody Gakpo
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Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool to sign Cody Gakpo. Gakpo reportedly favors Manchester City over Tottenham as his destination.
City opens Gakpo talks
Manchester City opened talks with Liverpool over a potential move for Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, with the 27-year-old’s future becoming one of the key storylines heading into the final three days of the transfer window. BBC said City made formal contact with Liverpool on Saturday evening and that sources indicate City is Gakpo’s preferred destination if he leaves Anfield before Tuesday’s deadline. The BBC account linked the timing to Liverpool’s agreement to sign Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal worth up to £123m, while The Times of India said City made formal contact on Saturday evening and that Liverpool value Gakpo at £85 million.
“Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool about signing attacker Cody Gakpo.”
The Times of India also tied the decision to Liverpool’s need to bring in another forward before allowing Gakpo to leave, naming Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr as targets. BBC added that Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has scored 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances, and on Saturday he provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal as Andoni Iraola’s side drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Deadline pressure and preferences
The Times of India reported that Gakpo has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but said sources cited by BBC Sport indicate Manchester City is the forward’s preferred destination if he leaves Anfield. BBC described the situation as time-sensitive, saying Liverpool would prefer to sign another forward before sanctioning Gakpo’s exit this summer and that the Reds are also hoping to bring in another winger before deadline day. Sky Sports said discussions were also under way over personal terms for the Netherlands international and that a potential move for the winger was advancing in Manchester City’s direction amid interest of Tottenham.
Sky Sports further placed City’s pursuit in context of their summer activity, saying Savio and Omar Marmoush joined Tottenham earlier month and that City started with Phil Foden at Selhurst Park, with Enzo Maresca admitting Foden is not a winger. BBC framed the risk for Liverpool by noting that, with Hugo Ekitike missing until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles tendon and Isak’s injury struggles, they would be taking a massive risk letting Gakpo leave.
What Liverpool and City face
As talks continue, BBC said Liverpool’s potential exit for Gakpo comes after Liverpool agreed to sign Bradley Barcola in a deal worth up to £123m, while Sky Sports said Liverpool are set to sign Barcola for £106m rising to £123m and that Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna earlier this summer. Sky Sports added that documents must still be exchanged between the clubs and Barcola must complete a medical, and it said Liverpool are also trying to sign a second new winger with their target currently Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr following difficult negotiations with Brighton for Yankuba Minteh. The Times of India reported that Liverpool have seen bids for Minteh and Sarr rejected and that the Reds need to ensure they have sufficient attacking options before sanctioning Gakpo’s exit.
“Liverpool will be considering their situation given contact has come late in the window.”
In parallel, BBC said Gakpo’s future is set to become one of the key storylines heading into the final three days of the transfer window, with City having made formal contact on Saturday evening. The Times of India also described City’s broader window activity, saying ESPN reported City have already agreed a deal with Palmeiras for Brazilian winger Allan and that Savio and Omar Marmoush have left the club to join Tottenham this summer.