Manchester City has begun formal negotiations with Liverpool over the acquisition of Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo, marking a significant development in the final stretch of the transfer window. The 27-year-old, who has spent recent seasons at Anfield, has generated interest from multiple clubs, though City has emerged as his preferred option if he departs before the deadline on Tuesday. Initial contact between the two clubs occurred on Saturday evening.
Gakpo’s potential exit follows Liverpool’s agreement to sign Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a transaction valued up to £123 million. However, sources indicate that Liverpool would prefer to secure additional attacking reinforcements before permitting Gakpo’s departure. The club has identified Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr as targets in their ongoing recruitment efforts.
The forward arrived at Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has compiled 33 goals across 91 Premier League appearances. In the club’s most recent fixture, he provided an assist for Alexander Isak’s goal in a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. He has also demonstrated early-season impact with a goal and assist in Liverpool’s opening two matches.
While Liverpool has historically maintained that they would not block Gakpo’s departure if a suitable offer materialized, the timing of City’s approach late in the transfer window has prompted the club to carefully evaluate the situation. The club’s forward depth has been complicated by injury setbacks, with Hugo Ekitike unavailable until 2027 due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, and Isak’s ongoing physical concerns creating uncertainty about available options.
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