Image for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo transfer stance revealed amid Man City & Spurs interest
Image for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo transfer stance revealed amid Man City & Spurs interest
In one of the most unexpected twists of the summer transfer window, Manchester City have reportedly thrown a massive spanner in the works of Tottenham Hotspur’s plans by making direct contact with Cody Gakpo over a potential move from Liverpool.
Spurs appeared to be leading the charge for the Netherlands international. Having already convinced Tottenham to splash out £135m on City duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush, Roberto De Zerbi earmarked Gakpo as his next prime attacking target. However, after having an opening £60m approach rejected by Anfield officials with other reports suggesting a £51m bid was also knocked back North London executives now face direct competition from the Etihad Stadium.
Reports from Dutch outlet Soccer News state that City have contacted Gakpo’s camp to gauge his interest.
“Manchester City has now also shown interest in Gakpo. The English top club is said to have already made its interest known to the player, although City has not yet officially contacted Liverpool,” reported Mounir Boualin.
“Gakpo is not immediately seen as a player who will automatically make it into the strongest starting eleven. The attacker is primarily intended to provide extra quality and depth to the squad.”
Fabrizio Romano corroborated the breaking news shortly after:
“Manchester City made contact with Cody Gakpo’s camp today, as @MounirBoualin reported. Talks have started while Tottenham remain in active discussions for Cody and with personal terms in place. Race on.”
? Liverpool will only sell Cody Gakpo if they can get two wingers in next 8 days; priority remains Bradley Barcola.
Tottenham verbally agreed terms with Gakpo since July, Man City now also in active talks with his agents.
Player to decide but also based on #LFC wingers plans. pic.twitter.com/nh269IFK4L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2026
Liverpool’s replacement strategy
Liverpool hold all the cards and are under no imperative to sell. The Reds are understood to value Gakpo at around £70m, but Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool will only entertain letting the 27-year-old depart if they secure two new wingers before deadline day.
Having already completed a €40m (£34m) deal for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, Liverpool remain in active dialogue for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. Minteh is viewed internally as the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah on the right, while Barcola would replace Gakpo on the left flank. However, negotiations with Brighton remain tough; Liverpool have seen £50m and £60m proposals rejected and are debating whether to hit Brighton’s £70m valuation.
Meanwhile, City’s interest in Gakpo comes as they look for quality tactical depth following Savinho’s pending move to Spurs.
Key man for Arne Slot and the title legacy
Any decision to sanction Gakpo’s departure carries huge significance. The Dutch forward was a vital force during Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title-winning campaign, racking up 10 goals and 4 assists across 35 league appearances including crucial strikes against Manchester City and Tottenham to seal the crown.
He has picked up right where he left off in the current 2026/27 campaign. In Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 opening-day draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, Gakpo got on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal, demonstrating his ongoing value to the front line.
Live4Liverpool Verdict
Selling Cody Gakpo to a direct Premier League rival like Manchester City or Tottenham would be a massive gamble that Liverpool simply do not need to take. Gakpo proved his pedigree during the 2024/25 title run and proved his immediate sharp form with his goal against Newcastle in Sunday’s opener.
Unless Liverpool land both Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh before the window slams shut, sanctioning a £70m sale—especially one that strengthens a title rival would leave the squad light on proven top-flight firepower. Keeping Gakpo remains the smartest, safest play for Anfield chiefs.