Cody Gakpo Transfer Battle: Manchester City Joins the Race
Cody Gakpo has become one of the most intriguing names of the summer – and now the battle for his signature has taken a sharp twist.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have stepped directly into the race, holding a face‑to‑face meeting with the Liverpool forward’s representatives to explore a possible move. City have already begun discussing contract figures, signalling a clear intent to challenge Tottenham for the Dutchman.
Spurs, though, are not arriving late to this story. Romano revealed that Tottenham reached a verbal agreement with Gakpo over personal terms back in July. The framework of a contract is there, ready to be activated if Liverpool and Spurs can ever find common ground on a fee.
Crucially, that agreement does not mean Gakpo is pushing to leave Anfield. Romano stressed that the 25-year-old is very happy at Liverpool, with the stalemate lying between clubs rather than in the player’s dressing-room mood.
City’s arrival changes the temperature of the deal. With the champions now in the conversation and already talking numbers, Gakpo has two elite suitors prepared to move if Liverpool open the door. For now, that door remains firmly locked.
Romano made it clear: Liverpool will not give the green light in the final days of the window unless they secure two wingers first. The club’s transfer strategy is built around that condition. No replacements, no Gakpo sale.
Bradley Barcola sits at the top of Liverpool’s attacking shortlist. Romano described that pursuit as “still fully on”, with the Reds working to land him as a priority target. Alongside Barcola, Liverpool are also pushing on another front.
Talks have been held over two offers for Iyenoma Mudryk, with discussions ongoing with the winger’s agent. Alternatives are already being assessed as Liverpool try to build the depth required to even consider losing Gakpo at this stage of the summer.
So the equation is simple but brutal: if Liverpool can’t land Barcola and another winger, City and Spurs can talk all they like – Gakpo stays put. If the recruitment drive clicks into place, one of England’s heavyweights could suddenly find a Champions League-ready forward on the market in the final stretch of the window.
The clock is ticking. Who blinks first: Liverpool in their hunt for wide reinforcements, or their rivals in the race to prise Gakpo away?
