City’s £80m plan for Gakpo near collapse, BBC reports

Manchester City’s proposed move for Cody Gakpo from Liverpool—set at around £80m—is close to collapsing, BBC Sport reports. Talks had been opened between the clubs over a potential deal for the Netherlands international.

The sticking point, according to the outlet, is Liverpool’s condition: they would be willing to sell Gakpo only if they could sign a replacement. And the Reds have been active already. On Monday, Liverpool completed the signing of France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain for a fee rising to up to £123m.

Liverpool’s replacement requirement

Even with Barcola in place, Liverpool are expected to want another attacking player if Gakpo were to depart. The article notes Anfield had targeted moves for Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) and Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), but valuations for both have proven difficult.

City may pivot to Ndiaye

With Tuesday’s deadline looming, the most likely outcome is that Liverpool keep Gakpo unless they can revive a deal for a new winger in time. BBC Sport also says City have interest in Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, suggesting they could pivot to him if the Gakpo development continues to unravel.