City’s £34m Allan signing fuels surprise chase for Liverpool’s Gakpo

Manchester City have confirmed a £34 million signing of Brazilian youngster Allan Elias from Palmeiras and, on 24 August 2026, have sounded out the representatives of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo about a possible move, despite no formal approach reaching Anfield yet.

City's pursuit of Gakpo

The Citizens are looking to replace the departing Omar Marmoush, creating a need for a versatile forward who can operate across the front line. Gakpo’s ability to play as a striker or winger matches the profile City seek. The Dutch international has been a long‑term target for Tottenham this summer, highlighting his high demand.

City also evaluated a more orthodox winger in Pedro Neto, but Chelsea’s £100 million asking price was deemed prohibitive. This leaves Gakpo as the most realistic high‑profile target for the Citizens.

City’s recent £34 million acquisition of Brazilian Allan Elias from Palmeiras underscores their willingness to invest heavily in attacking talent ahead of the new campaign. Elias is expected to provide versatility across the forward line, complementing any potential addition of Gakpo.

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Liverpool's response and other targets

Liverpool have made clear they are not actively looking to sell Gakpo, prioritising the addition of more attacking threat rather than losing it. Instead, the club are pursuing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain and Yankuba Minteh from Brighton, though no guarantee they will hit the ground running.

Gakpo proved his potency at Newcastle on Sunday, reminding Liverpool of his value. He is a Netherlands international and has not yet signed a new contract, meaning any sale would require a substantial fee and the club would need two new signings in place.

Tottenham, long‑term suitors of the Dutch international, have already spent £85 million on Savinho from City and are set to add Omar Marmoush on an initial loan, while also keeping Jack Grealish on their radar. Roberto de Zerbi has targeted Gakpo all summer, but the forward is understood to be open to a new challenge without causing a fuss. Spurs have also considered Jack Grealish as a potential option but he is expected to remain at the club.

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If City secure Gakpo, they would add a proven Premier League scorer to complement Allan Elias, while Liverpool would retain a key attacking option and continue reshaping their frontline through Barcola and Minteh. Both clubs thus stand to shape their offensive strategies for the upcoming season.