Liverpool F.C. Could complete a stunning late-window sale of forward Cody Gakpo to direct rivals Manchester City. City have not abandoned their pursuit of the Dutch international despite Liverpool's initial £70 million valuation.
The potential transfer emerges as Liverpool sit 10th in the Premier League table after one game, having drawn their opener to collect a single point. They are already two points behind early leaders Brighton. The squad's immediate focus shifts to their next fixtures, a home match against Nottingham Forest on August 29th, but significant business is being conducted behind the scenes.
Letting Cody Gakpo join a fellow title-contender would be a major surprise. He was given a new contract just a year ago and Liverpool moved to replace him this summer with the headline signing of Bradley Barcola. Gakpo endured a difficult campaign last season and now appears to have no future at the club. A sale to Manchester City would represent one of the biggest transfers Liverpool has ever conducted with another Premier League side.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio noted that City "haven't given up on a deal" for the player. The move is driven by necessity at the Etihad, as City are working through attacking options after letting Savio and Omar Marmoush join Tottenham this week. Gakpo would have a clear place in Pep Guardiola's setup.
Liverpool are actively working on both incoming and outgoing deals before Monday's deadline. Cody Gakpo looks like a near-certainty to leave, with his role set to be taken by new arrival Bradley Barcola. The club's website, Anfield Watch, reported "that a £70m price-tag was slapped on the player" due to strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Now Manchester City have entered the frame, potentially meeting that valuation.
This activity comes as the team looks to improve on a start that has seen them score two goals but also concede two, leaving them with a zero goal difference. Managerial decisions are being made with the full standings picture and the early title race in mind.
A transfer to the reigning champions would immediately turn Cody Gakpo into a fierce rival. His versatility across the front line makes him an attractive option for City's fluid system. The potential bombshell sale shows the high-stakes nature of Premier League business, where strengthening a direct competitor is rarely considered.
For Liverpool, the funds from a £70 million sale could be reinvested, but the immediate consequence is losing a player to a team they must overtake in the table. The club's broader squad strategy will be tested if this deal goes through, with the need to integrate Barcola quickly becoming most important.
