Manchester City were in talks to sign Liverpool's Cody Gakpo in the closing days of the summer transfer window
Cody Gakpo warms up before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC at Portman Road.
(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Sergio Aguero believes Manchester City prioritised their £125m move for Enzo Fernandez over a move for Liverpool star Cody Gakpo in the closing days of the summer transfer window.
City had been in talks over a surprise deal for Gakpo late last month, with the Reds believed to be asking for around £85m for their Netherlands international at the time.
Liverpool were also looking to add to their wide options at the same time and had explored potential deals for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr and Brighton star Yankuba Minteh before ultimately opting to keep Gakpo.
City then ended a summer-long pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Fernandez by equalling the British-record fee Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak to sign him from Newcastle United in September 2025, and legendary striker Aguero feels that transfer was seen as more important than the Gakpo pursuit at the Etihad.
"Keeping good players is always positive," Aguero told Stake. "Sometimes a player might not feel comfortable in his position, with the manager or at the club, and that’s when he wants to leave.
"But if [Gakpo] is comfortable with the manager and understands what the manager wants, it’s important to keep him. Liverpool are a very difficult opponent to beat, particularly at Anfield.
"Keeping players like Gakpo is good for the club. I think City were waiting until the last moment regarding Enzo. His fee was very high, so they had to choose. I think it was either Enzo or Gakpo, and they ultimately chose Enzo."
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Former Argentina star Aguero also delivered his verdict on Liverpool's new £123m man Bradley Barcola, adding: "The Premier League isn’t easy, but he has the qualities to be a very good player.
"In reality, he’s already a good player, I mean becoming one of the best in the Premier League.
"He has the necessary qualities, and a lot will depend on where Liverpool are in the Premier League table and whether they’re challenging for the title.
"It's noticeable because there’s more pressure. But he’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that."