Manchester City have reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in expressing interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. The 27-year-old Dutch international has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer, with Tottenham previously making an offer for his services.
Gakpo is currently under contract with Liverpool until 2030, having signed a five-year deal in August 2025. Despite the reported interest from other clubs, there have been no direct club-to-club discussions regarding a transfer. Gakpo started Liverpool’s recent Premier League opening draw against Newcastle United, where he scored the team’s first goal.
Transfer Speculation and Club Stances
Reports suggest that Manchester City has made an initial move to secure Gakpo, potentially challenging Tottenham’s pursuit. It has been indicated that a transfer for Gakpo could require a fee exceeding £70m. Gakpo was acquired by Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in December 2022 for an initial £37m, with potential add-ons increasing the fee to £44m.
During Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title-winning season, Gakpo contributed 18 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances. He scored three times in four appearances at this summer’s World Cup, where his nation exited in the last-32 stage. Overall, Gakpo has accumulated 51 goals and 23 assists in 181 appearances for Liverpool.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged Gakpo’s current form, stating that the forward has been training well and understands the team’s requirements for his position. Iraola noted Gakpo’s intelligence and strong performances in recent friendly matches.
Potential Impact on Squads
For Manchester City, the potential acquisition of Gakpo could complement their existing squad. The club is also reportedly close to finalising deals for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille and Allan Elias from Palmeiras. City’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has commented on the complexities of players seeking new challenges, referencing situations with other players.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the departure of Gakpo would likely depend on securing multiple attacking reinforcements before the transfer deadline. The club is reportedly targeting Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and is in discussions for Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion. Even with these potential additions, some argue for retaining Gakpo due to his versatility, particularly as a backup option for Alexander Isak, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined due to injury until after Christmas.
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City adds another layer to any potential transfer, as no player has moved directly between the two clubs since Raheem Sterling in 2015. Many Liverpool supporters would reportedly prefer any offers for Gakpo to be rejected, or for him to move to Tottenham rather than Manchester City.
In other transfer news, Newcastle has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City to sign midfielder Nico Gonzalez for £47m plus £3m in add-ons. Newcastle has also submitted an offer of 40m euros (£34.2m) excluding bonuses for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Meanwhile, Manchester United are confident in their pursuit of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, despite an asking price exceeding £50m. Chelsea has seen three bids rejected for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer. Hull has offered 21m euros (£17.9m) for Union Berlin forward Ilyas Ansah, with advanced talks for a long-term contract. AC Milan is considering a late transfer window move for Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui. Coventry has agreed a £6m deal to sign Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock. Additionally, Monza is expected to offer former Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli a one-year contract, following his departure from Como in September 2025.
Gakpo scored in Liverpool’s opening day draw against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Source: bbc.co.uk