Gakpo Rules Out Tottenham, Insists on Manchester City Move as £85M Deal Looms
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Manchester City have launched a £85 million bid for Liverpool's Dutch international Cody Gakpo, with the player having made clear he will reject all other suitors to join Pep Guardiola's side. The transfer negotiation comes as Liverpool near completion of a club-record £123 million move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who occupies the same left-flank role as Gakpo.
Key Points
- Manchester City have opened negotiations with Liverpool to sign 27-year-old Dutch international Cody Gakpo for a reported fee of £85 million
- Gakpo has informed Liverpool's management that if he departs Anfield, Manchester City is his sole preferred destination, effectively ruling out Tottenham
- Personal terms between Gakpo and Manchester City have been agreed, with only Liverpool's formal approval pending
- Liverpool are on the verge of signing PSG's Bradley Barcola for £123 million, with the French forward scheduled to undergo medical on Sunday
- Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and has scored 51 goals in 182 appearances across all competitions
- The Dutchman signed a contract extension in 2024 that runs until 2030, though Liverpool are now open to selling
- Liverpool have set a condition that they will only sell Gakpo after successfully signing two new attacking players
- Manchester City's interest intensified after selling wingers Savio and other forwards to Tottenham, leaving their forward line short
- Gakpo has made a strong start to the new Premier League season with one goal and one assist in two matches
Why It Matters
This deal represents one of the most significant player movements in recent Premier League history, involving direct rivals and potentially reshaping the attacking dynamics of both clubs. For Liverpool, selling Gakpo for £85 million would substantially offset the record investment in Barcola, while Manchester City would acquire a versatile forward capable of playing centrally and on the wings to compensate for their recent departures.
This deal represents one of the most significant player movements in recent Premier League history, involving direct rivals and potentially reshaping the attacking dynamics of both clubs. For Liverpool, selling Gakpo for £85 million would substantially offset the record investment in Barcola, while Manchester City would acquire a versatile forward capable of playing centrally and on the wings to compensate for their recent departures.