Manchester City have reportedly thrown a massive spanner in the works of Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans after opening sensational talks to snatch Cody Gakpo from Anfield.
In one of the most stunning developments of the summer window, Etihad chiefs have made direct contact with the Liverpool forward's camp to weigh up a late hijack attempt.Spurs had appeared in pole position to land the Netherlands international after seeing a £60m opening bid turned down, with North London officials actively readying an improved proposal.
However, City's unexpected entry into the race has blown the battle for the Dutchman's signature wide open.
It could be all change in terms of Liverpool wingers in the next week or so. The Reds are set to step up their pursuits of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and Brighton's Yankuba Minteh. If the pair do arrive, it would be at great expense, so could this lead to Cody Gakpo's departure.
The Dutchman started and scored as Andoni Iraola's side pinched a point against Newcastle United at St James' Park on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. However, could that be the last time we ever see Gakpo in a red Liverpool shirt?
Cody Gakpo with a fine finish to equalise for Liverpool! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/cfDQWbES2v
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2026
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on Monday evening, Manchester City have "made contact" with Gakpo's representatives about potentially bringing him to the Etihad. Journalist Mounir Boualin adds that the race is on, with Tottenham Hotspur still interested in the 27 year old, having previously seen a £60 million bid rejected.
James Pearce and David Ornstein of the Athletic noted that "there have not been any club-to-club talks", and Liverpool will not allow him leave at a cut price, considering his contract runs until 2030.
Spurs are set to sign Savinho from Man City for £75 million, plus £10 million in potential add-ons. Given tht Omar Marmoush is poised to make the same move, and the Lilywhites have already splashed £237 million, that seemingly closed the door on Gakpo moving to North London. However, that does not appear to be the case.
Nevertheless, if given a choice between the two, surely the Netherlands international would rather join the Citizens. In their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, Enzo Maresca deployed Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo out-wide, while Rayan Cherki, Jérémy Doku and forgotten man Jack Grealish are not bad options either. Nevertheless, Gakpo would fancy his chances of contributing.
That though begs the question, can Liverpool really afford to let him leave?
Why Liverpool will regret selling Cody Gakpo
It is clear that new head coach Iraola wants proper, old school winger that stay high and wide. New recruit Víctor Muñoz and youngster Rio Ngumoha very much fit that mould, as do targets Minteh and Barcola. Gakpo, on the other hand, does not. Since arriving from PSV Eindhoven, he has scored a respectable 51 goals in 181 appearances for the Reds, favouring being deployed on the left flank and cutting inside.
With Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak yet to deliver what they were signed to do, this team lacks goals, with Gakpo among their most reliable sources in that regard. Considering that Hugo Ekitiké is sidelined for the majority of the season, and Isak's fitness remains a question mark, they surely cannot go through the entire season with only one senior centre-forward.
18 year old Will Wright saw minutes during pre-season. Well, Gakpo currently provides striker cover, one of the many reasons why they may rue allowing him to leave, not least to join a rival.
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