Liverpool have been urged to keep Cody Gakpo this summer by two top journalists, before reports emerged that Manchester City want to sign the Dutchman.
James Pearce wrote for The Athletic: “Even if [Liverpool] get Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola on board, they need to resist any temptation to cash in on Cody Gakpo, who has been pursued by Tottenham Hotspur.
“Gakpo, who scored their first equaliser at St James’ Park with a clinical 20-yarder, provides the added value of being able to operate through the middle as well as off the left, so the Dutchman can deputise for Isak when required.”
In the Liverpool Echo, Ian Doyle agreed: “Cody Gakpo was easily Liverpool’s most potent attacker here and looks anything but a player who would welcome a move away. Gakpo surely cannot be sold.”
Manchester City want Gakpo
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City have expressed interesting in signing Gakpo this summer.
According to Mounir Boualin: “Manchester City has now also shown interest in Cody Gakpo and have already expressed it to the player, although City has not yet officially reported to Liverpool.
“But they are considering making contact. Manchester City would initially see him mainly as a width reinforcement, while Tottenham reportedly want give to Gakpo an important role.”
Fabrizio Romano confirmed what Boualin reported, before saying: “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.”
? 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
Gakpo has proven that he’s too important to sell
I understand that Gakpo won’t want to stay at Liverpool if Barcola is going to usurp him in the starting lineup, but his goal against Newcastle United proves that he’s too good for the Reds to sell.
He might not be good enough to carry Liverpool through a season all on his own, but with competition like when Luis Diaz was at the club, he is a monstrous player to have.
Selling him to Manchester City, in particular, would be stupid.