According to Sky Sports, Manchester City has shown interest in Cody Gakpo, also targeted by Tottenham. Liverpool does not want to sell their Dutch attacker, under contract until 2028.
Manchester City has checked the name of Cody Gakpo to strengthen their attack. According to Sky Sports, the Manchester club is seriously interested in the Dutch winger from Liverpool, who is also on the list of Tottenham. The Reds, for their part, have no intention of letting their number 11 go, under contract until June 2028.
Context of the case: long-standing interest and multiple approaches
Manchester City's interest in Cody Gakpo is not new. According to Sky Sports, the Citizens have been following the player for several seasons, but it is this year that discussions have intensified. The English club reportedly initiated exploratory talks with the player's entourage in recent weeks, without however making an official offer. This caution is explained by Liverpool's firm stance, which considers Gakpo as an untransferable asset.
Tottenham, for their part, is also closely monitoring the situation. The Spurs, in search of attacking reinforcements, see Gakpo as an ideal profile to support their attackers. However, they face the same difficulty: Liverpool does not want to sell. According to Sky Sports information, the Reds have already rejected any approach, whether formal or informal.
What we know: concrete interest, but a firm stance from Liverpool
According to Sky Sports, Manchester City has expressed interest in Cody Gakpo in recent weeks. The English club reportedly initiated exploratory discussions with the player's entourage, without however making an official offer. Tottenham is also closely following the case, but Liverpool has been clear: Gakpo is not for sale.
The Dutchman, who arrived at Anfield in January 2023 from PSV Eindhoven, is considered a key element of Liverpool's project. The Reds do not envisage negotiating his departure, even for a high amount. The management reportedly rejected any approach, according to Sky Sports information.
Why this player, why now
Manchester City is looking to strengthen their attacking sector after the departure of several key players. Gakpo, capable of playing on both wings and as a striker, fits the profile sought by Pep Guardiola: versatile, young (27 years old) and already experienced at the highest level. His performance in the Premier League and the Champions League speaks in his favor.
For their part, Tottenham wants to bring competition to their attack and sees Gakpo as an ideal reinforcement to support their strikers. But the task promises to be difficult, with Liverpool showing no openness to a transfer. The Spurs should turn to other leads if the situation does not evolve.
Sporting and financial implications
If Manchester City managed to recruit Gakpo, it would represent a major reinforcement for their attacking sector. The player would bring his versatility and his ability to beat defenders on the wings, qualities sought by Guardiola. Moreover, his experience in the Premier League would be an immediate asset, as he already knows the demands of the English championship.
On the financial side, a transfer of Gakpo would be far from trivial. Liverpool, who recruited him for around 40 million euros in January 2023, could demand a significantly higher sum if a sale became inevitable. However, no amount has been publicly mentioned, and the Reds do not need to sell, which places them in a position of strength in any potential negotiations.
Remaining obstacles and next steps
The main obstacle remains Liverpool's desire to keep their player. The Reds do not need to sell and consider Gakpo as a potential starter for the coming seasons. A very high offer could however shake their position, but no amount has been publicly mentioned.
The coming weeks will be decisive. Manchester City will have to decide whether to take action or explore other options. Tottenham, for their part, could accelerate on other targets. In the meantime, Gakpo remains focused on his season with Liverpool, and no official statement has been made on his side.
Competing clubs and alternative leads
Besides Manchester City and Tottenham, other European clubs are reportedly following Gakpo's situation, according to Sky Sports. But none has yet made a concrete offer. Liverpool, for their part, could be tempted to extend their player's contract to secure his long-term future.
If City fails in this case, the Manchester club could turn to other attacking profiles, while Tottenham is already exploring alternatives. A story to follow in the coming days, as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
Analysis of Gakpo's profile
Cody Gakpo has established himself as one of the most versatile attackers in the Premier League since his arrival at Liverpool. Capable of playing on the left wing, right wing, or as a striker, he offers varied tactical solutions to his coaches. His speed, technique, and vision make him a formidable player in space, capable of creating imbalances against any defense.
His rapid adaptation to the English championship, with regular performances in the league and European competitions, has not gone unnoticed by Manchester City's recruiters. The Manchester club, which favors technical and intelligent profiles, sees him as an ideal reinforcement to bring depth to an already very competitive squad. Moreover, his age (27) places him in a bracket where he can still progress while already having significant experience at the highest level.
Relations between the clubs
Relations between Manchester City and Liverpool have often been marked by intense sporting rivalry, but also by notable transfers. However, this Gakpo case promises to be particularly delicate, as Liverpool has no intention of directly strengthening a direct competitor in the title race. The Reds, who have already lost several key players in recent seasons, do not wish to further weaken their squad.
For their part, Tottenham maintains more neutral relations with Liverpool, but that does not facilitate negotiations either. The Spurs, who are looking to strengthen to return to the top, must contend with the reality of the market: Liverpool is not selling. This situation could push them to explore other options, such as young talents or players out of contract.
Prospects for the transfer window
As the summer transfer window draws to a close, clubs must act quickly if they want to finalize their signings. Manchester City still has time to make an offer, but Liverpool could reject it without hesitation. The Citizens could then turn to other targets, but they risk running out of time to complete a transfer of this magnitude.
For Gakpo, the situation remains unclear. The player has not publicly expressed his desire to leave Liverpool, and he seems fully focused on his season. His performances at the start of the season will be decisive for his future, as good form could strengthen Liverpool's position and deter suitors. In the meantime, fans of City and Tottenham will closely follow the next developments in this case, which could well animate the final weeks of the transfer window.
