Cody Gakpo Chooses Manchester City Over Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has decided to leave Anfield and join Manchester City, with both clubs now in direct talks to finalize a transfer fee. The 27-year-old Netherlands international turned down a move to Tottenham Hotspur as negotiations accelerate ahead of the transfer window deadline.
The final days of the summer transfer window have delivered a major surprise on Merseyside as Cody Gakpo pushes for an exit from Liverpool. Following decisive internal discussions, the Dutch forward made clear his preference for a switch to the Etihad Stadium rather than a move to North London (according to The Athletic).
Negotiations Underway as Tottenham Loses Ground
While Tottenham Hotspur maintained a strong and long-standing interest in the 27-year-old—having previously agreed personal terms earlier in the summer and weighed a bid estimated around €60m—Gakpo ultimately rejected the opportunity to join North London.
Manchester City moved swiftly into the race after seeing attackers Savinho and Omar Marmoush depart for Tottenham (noted by The Athletic). Talk Sport added that an opening bid has already been submitted and formal discussions between the clubs are continuing. The clubs are working toward an agreement.
David Ornstein, writing in the Athletic, is reporting that Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo has decided to join Manchester City over Tottenham Hotspur, and the two clubs are now in negotiations to find an agreement.
The Netherlands international started and provided an assist in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Manchester club have also agreed a €40m (£34.3m; $46.4m) deal to sign winger Allan Elias from Palmeiras.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said earlier this week that he cannot guarantee anything
regarding the future of Gakpo.
After scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 49 appearances during Liverpool’s 2024/25 season as Liverpool won the Premier League title, the forward only signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool in August 2025.
However, his form dipped last season, particularly after the turn of the year, when he managed just three league goals despite featuring in every Premier League fixture.
Gakpo reminded the world of his quality at this summer’s World Cup, scoring three goals in four appearances.
Liverpool’s Stance and the Replacement Plan
Liverpool view Gakpo as a proven multi-functional Premier League attacker and he has shown that with a goal and an assist in their first two games this season.
But all summer, the understanding has been that if the club bring in the attacking players they want, they would not stand in the way of Gakpo if a solid offer came in.
Given how late in the transfer window the talks are taking place between Liverpool and Manchester City, the Anfield side will now consider the situation before sanctioning any move.
Liverpool are also hoping to bring in another winger before deadline day.
With the arrival of Victor Munoz, the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Barcola’s imminent move from PSG, Gakpo is well aware that he may not be first choice any more, so if a move does happen it would not come as a surprise.
Financially it will be a great outcome for Liverpool if they agree a deal for a high fee given they signed Gakpo for £37million from PSV Eindhoven after the World Cup in 2022, though records also note he joined Liverpool for a significant fee with 50 goals in 180 games.
The Reds are set to complete the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, and his preferred position is on the left, where Gakpo often plays.
Financial Impact and Squad Dynamics at the Etihad
Roberto De Zerbi Targets Cody Gakpo for Manchester City
Manchester City opened talks with Liverpool over an audacious bid for Cody Gakpo, with Roberto De Zerbi eager to add the versatile forward to his attacking ranks as a key component for the upcoming campaign.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Man City made contact with Gakpo’s camp to signal their intent, while Tottenham remain firmly in the conversation and appear to have done significant groundwork already.
Manchester City have entered the race to secure his signature as they are set to lose Omar Marmoush and Savinho to Tottenham.
Liverpool say Cody Gakpo isn’t for sale, with an excerpt from The Athletic’s article noting: “Manchester City are interested in signing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. The 27-year-old is under contract to 2030 having signed a new five-year deal in August 2025, and there have not been any club-to-club talks. He has been the subject of repeated interest.”
What Happens Next Before the Deadline
Gakpo Shines at St James’ Park Before Anfield Exit
The Dutch international has started both of the Reds’ Premier League matches this season, scoring an absolute rocket at St James’ Park against Newcastle last Sunday, before an inch-perfect cross set up Alexander Isak to score against Nottingham Forest.
Nevertheless, just a few hours after the latter, it has been confirmed that this will be the final time we ever see Gakpo at Anfield in a red shirt.
Earlier in the day, it had been reported that the 27-year-old would hold talks with the club following Saturday’s match, and it appears as though these talks were decisive.
