Man City start talks with Liverpool for Cody Gakpo

Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool about signing Cody Gakpo, according to BBC Sport. The outlet reports that City made formal contact with the Reds on Saturday evening, with the winger’s future becoming one of the key storylines in the final days of the window.

Talks over Gakpo

Gakpo, who is 27, is also attracting interest elsewhere, with Tottenham previously linked. But BBC Sport says City would be his preferred destination if he were to leave Anfield before Tuesday’s deadline.

The timing matters for Liverpool. Their squad news has moved quickly: they have agreed to sign PSG winger Bradley Barcola in a deal worth up to £123m. Even so, BBC Sport suggests Liverpool would rather recruit another forward before giving the go-ahead for Gakpo’s departure this summer.

Squad risk if he leaves

Liverpool’s internal calculation is shaped by injuries and options up front. BBC Sport notes Hugo Ekitike is set to miss action until 2027 after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, while Alexander Isak has also had injury setbacks. Against that background, letting Gakpo go would be a major gamble.

The Reds are also hoping to add another winger before deadline day, with interest in Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) and Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace). If a deal does happen, a financial upside could soften the decision: BBC Sport reports that Liverpool would consider it a strong outcome to agree a transfer of around £85m, after signing Gakpo for £35m from PSV following the World Cup in 2022.

With negotiations arriving late, Liverpool are expected to weigh their next attacking moves closely before sanctioning anything with City.