Man City open talks with Liverpool over Gakpo
August 29, 2026 20:17
Manchester City have opened formal talks with Liverpool about signing forward Cody Gakpo, with contact between the clubs made on Saturday evening. The 27-year-old's future is expected to be a major transfer-window storyline in the final three days before the deadline.
Reports say Tottenham Hotspur have also shown concrete interest, but sources indicate City is Gakpo's preferred destination if he departs Anfield before Tuesday's deadline. Liverpool's willingness to permit a sale appears linked to whether they can recruit further attacking reinforcements.
KEY CONTEXT
- Gakpo moved to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has accumulated 33 Premier League goals in 91 appearances for the club.
- Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain, in a transfer reported to be worth up to £123m.
- The Reds are reported to be pursuing additional wide options — including Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr — and would prefer to add another forward before authorising any departure.
- Liverpool have recently seen new or emerging attacking options arrive or progress, including Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha, which could affect Gakpo's playing time.
WHY IT MATTERS
A move involving Gakpo would reshape Liverpool's attacking squad just after they agreed a major incoming transfer. Selling him would represent a significant profit on the fee Liverpool paid PSV in 2022, but could also heighten risk for the squad given other injury issues in the forward ranks cited by the club as concerns.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Liverpool secure another forward or winger before allowing Gakpo to leave.
- If Manchester City and Liverpool can agree terms in the final days of the window, and whether a fee acceptable to both clubs is reached.
- How Gakpo's own preference (reported to favor City) influences the negotiations.
KEY FACTS
- Manchester City made formal contact with Liverpool about Gakpo on Saturday evening.
- Gakpo is 27 and joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
- He has scored 33 Premier League goals in 91 appearances for Liverpool.
- Liverpool have agreed to sign Bradley Barcola from PSG in a deal reported to be worth up to £123m.
- Liverpool are linked with Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr as potential reinforcements.
- Reports suggest an acceptable sale price for Liverpool could be in the region of £85m, compared with the £35m they paid PSV after the 2022 World Cup.