Manchester City open talks with Liverpool over Cody Gakpo transfer
By Joel Masibo, August 30, 2026Manchester City have begun discussions with Liverpool over a possible deal for Netherlands international Cody Gakpo as Enzo Maresca’s side look to strengthen their options on the flanks before the transfer window closes.
The approach has come relatively late in the window, leaving Liverpool with a major decision to make regarding one of their attacking players.
Talks between the two clubs are understood to be progressing, while discussions regarding Gakpo’s personal terms are also taking place.
The development comes after City allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to move to Tottenham earlier this month. Their departures have left the club short of natural wide options.
City’s shortage was particularly evident during Friday’s, August 28, 2026 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace. The champions did not have a recognised winger among their substitutes and instead deployed Phil Foden in a wide position, despite manager Enzo Maresca acknowledging that Foden is not naturally a winger.
Jack Grealish was also unavailable for the Palace match. The England international is attracting interest from Everton and Sunderland, although he is reportedly keen on the possibility of returning to Everton.
Tottenham had previously explored a move for Gakpo during the current transfer window before completing deals for Savio and Marmoush.
Liverpool preparing for major attacking changes
Liverpool’s situation is complicated by their imminent arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French winger is expected to join the Reds in a package worth up to £123 million (approximately Ksh21.63 billion).
The initial payment is understood to be £106 million (approximately KSh18.64 billion), with a further £17 million (approximately KSh2.99 billion) available through performance-related additions.
Barcola is expected to sign a contract running until 2031, although the transfer still requires the completion of formal documentation and his medical.
Liverpool had previously faced a significant difference in valuation with PSG, who had been seeking around £145 million (approximately KSh25.50 billion) for the 23-year-old.
If completed, Barcola’s move would become Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing, behind Alexander Isak’s £125 million (approximately KSh21.98 billion) transfer from Newcastle last summer.
Liverpool are also considering another addition to their wide options. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr has emerged as a target after negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh proved difficult.
Gakpo future remains uncertain
The possibility of Gakpo leaving Anfield comes at a particularly interesting point for Liverpool, with the club already reshaping its attacking department.
Gakpo was involved in Liverpool’s latest Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, providing the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal.
Manager Andoni Iraola remained cautious when asked about Gakpo’s future, indicating that the situation could become clearer as the transfer deadline approaches.
With only a few days remaining before the window shuts, Manchester City’s late interest could therefore create an unexpected transfer battle.
Meanwhile, after struggling to salvage a point against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 29, 2026 in the 2-2 draw at Anfield, Liverpool must now decide whether to entertain City’s approach or retain Gakpo as part of their squad for the new campaign, while also completing their planned move for Barcola and potentially pursuing another winger.