Manchester City have entered discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential deal for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, according to reports, as the summer transfer window approaches its climactic final days.
Gakpo has established himself as a key figure in Jurgen Klopp's successor's setup at Anfield, contributing a goal and an assist across Liverpool's opening two Premier League fixtures of the new campaign. His versatility across multiple attacking positions has made him a valuable asset, and Liverpool have long regarded him as a reliable performer capable of operating in various roles within the forward line.
Despite his consistent output, the framework for a possible departure had already been established earlier in the transfer window. Liverpool's stance throughout the summer has been that Gakpo would not be blocked from leaving if a substantial bid materialized, provided the club had already secured the attacking reinforcements they targeted.
The timing of City's approach, coming so close to the deadline, means Liverpool's hierarchy will need to carefully weigh their options before deciding whether to give any transfer their approval. The lateness of the negotiations adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation, as the Merseyside club simultaneously pursues a separate winger addition of their own before the window shuts.
Liverpool's attacking depth has shifted considerably in recent months. The signing of Victor Munoz, the breakthrough emergence of academy talent Rio Ngumoha, and the anticipated arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain have all altered the pecking order in the forward positions. Gakpo himself is understood to be conscious that these developments could see him drop down the list of preferred starters, meaning a move away would not catch him off guard should talks progress.
From a financial standpoint, any sale would represent a significant profit for Liverpool. The club originally brought Gakpo to Anfield from PSV Eindhoven for around £35m in the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup, and reports suggest a fee in the region of £85m is being discussed for his potential switch to the Etihad Stadium — more than double their initial outlay.
However, Liverpool's decision-makers face a genuine dilemma given the club's current injury situation up front. Striker Hugo Ekitike is set to be sidelined until 2027 following a ruptured Achilles tendon, while Alexander Isak continues to battle fitness issues of his own. Losing Gakpo under these circumstances would strip Liverpool of proven attacking cover at a time when their options are already stretched thin.
The coming days are likely to prove decisive. Liverpool must balance the lucrative financial incentive of cashing in on a player whose value has risen sharply since his arrival against the practical risk of leaving their squad short of quality and experience in attacking areas. Manchester City, meanwhile, continue to explore late-window additions as they look to strengthen their own forward options before the deadline passes.
Whether the deal reaches a conclusion will likely depend on Liverpool's success in finalizing their own incoming winger deal, which could ultimately determine whether Gakpo remains part of Arne Slot's plans for the season ahead or embarks on a new chapter at City.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.