Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who is 27 and under contract until 2030. The Dutchman, who scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in Liverpool’s title-winning 2024-25 season, has been linked with Tottenham but could become City’s third summer signing amid a mixed reception from fans.
City’s Interest
City have not engaged in any club-to-club talks with Liverpool, but the interest would make Gakpo the club’s third signing of the summer window. The Athletic reported that City have agreed a €40 million deal to sign winger Allan Elias from Palmeiras and have also reached an agreement with Lille to sign midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for an initial €95 million. No official offer has been disclosed.
Gakpo’s Current Form
The 27-year-old, who signed a new five-year deal in August 2025, has struggled for form in the 2025-26 season, scoring only three league goals since the turn of the year. He has, however, featured in every fixture and regularly started. Gakpo scored three times in four appearances at the 2026 World Cup, where the Netherlands exited in the last-32 stage after a penalty defeat to Morocco. He made himself available for selection just days after his partner Noa revealed they had lost a child during pregnancy.
Liverpool’s Transfer Window
Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in December 2022 for an initial £37 million, potentially rising to £44 million with add-ons. He scored seven times in 21 Premier League matches in the second half of that season. In total, Gakpo has recorded 51 goals and 23 assists in 181 appearances for the Merseyside club. The club would need to sign at least two attacking reinforcements before the transfer deadline to consider letting him go. Potential targets include Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Potential Impact
If Liverpool were to sign Barcola, he could take Gakpo’s place on the left wing, while Gakpo would remain a valuable back-up to Alexander Isak through the centre, especially with Hugo Ekitike out until after Christmas due to injury. Gakpo’s market value is believed to exceed £75 million. Given the rivalry with Manchester City and the fact that no player has moved between the clubs since Raheem Sterling in 2015, a move to Tottenham Hotspur might be more palatable for Liverpool supporters. However, most will hope any offers are rebuffed and Gakpo stays at Anfield.
