Man City's £80m move for Gakpo close to collapse
August 31, 2026 16:53
Manchester City's proposed £80m bid for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is reported to be close to breaking down. Talks opened between the clubs, but Liverpool insisted they would only sanction a sale if they secured a replacement attacker.
Liverpool have already completed the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee that could reach £123m, yet the club wants an additional wide player before allowing Gakpo to leave. With efforts to sign Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) and Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) stalling over valuation issues, Liverpool look set to retain the 27‑year‑old unless they can resurrect a deal for another winger before Tuesday’s deadline.
KEY CONTEXT
- Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV in 2023 and, according to the report, has contributed 51 goals in all competitions for the club since his arrival.
- Liverpool identified Minteh and Sarr as potential replacements, but the sums involved have become an obstacle to completing either transfer.
- Manchester City had pursued Gakpo and opened formal discussions with Liverpool about an £80m transfer.
WHY IT MATTERS
If Liverpool cannot recruit a further wide player, keeping Gakpo preserves a forward who has been a significant goals contributor since joining the club. For City, the likely collapse of this move would require them to shift transfer plans as they seek attacking reinforcement. The outcome affects both clubs’ short‑term squad planning ahead of the transfer deadline.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Liverpool can reopen negotiations and agree terms for a new winger before the Tuesday deadline. If they do not, Gakpo is expected to remain at Anfield.
- Whether Manchester City will pursue Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, a player in which they have shown interest, after their move for Gakpo faltered. Ndiaye had been linked with Tottenham, but City’s reported interest could change the market.
KEY FACTS
- Reported proposed fee for Gakpo: £80m.
- Liverpool completed the signing of Bradley Barcola from PSG for up to £123m.
- Liverpool targeted Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr as replacements but ran into valuation issues.
- Cody Gakpo, 27, has scored 51 goals in all competitions for Liverpool since joining from PSV in 2023.
- Manchester City are reported to have an interest in Iliman Ndiaye, 26.