Transfers
Man City aim to hijack Gakpo as deadline looms in summer
Man City are in talks with Liverpool about Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, as the transfer window closes in three days. City hope to hijack the deal and have called the 27‑year‑old an 'Underrated'' talent; he has four years left on his Liverpool contract and scored in the side’s 2‑2 draw with Newcastle last weekend.
The story was first reported by Reuters photographer Isabel Infantes, with the byline reading "By  Matthew Guyett AM GMT+1". Matthew Guyett, a graduate of the University of Essex with a Creative Writing degree, joined GiveMeSport in August 2024 after a three‑year stint at Sportskeeda. His work appears on GiveMeSport’s platforms, and Us can read the full Move story here, giving fans a clear picture of the Star’s situation.
Gakpo’s future has been thrust into the spotlight after Liverpool secured French winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a £123 million package, pushing the Dutch attacker closer to the exit door with just three days left in the window. The 27‑year‑old, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, has four years remaining on his Liverpool deal and started, scoring, in the recent 2‑2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United. Andoni Iraola’s starting lineup now favours Barcola, leaving Gakpo on the fringes.
Why City see Gakpo as a fit
Romano highlighted Gakpo’s versatility – he can operate on the wing or lead the line, mirroring recent arrivals Omar Marmoush and Savinho. Last season he recorded twelve goal contributions in thirty‑six league games, and his overall tally stands at fifty‑one goals in one‑hundred‑eighty‑one appearances for Liverpool. Enzo Maresca’s attack already features Antoine Semenyo on the left and Jeremy Doku returning from injury, but Gakpo could provide a fresh option alongside the Moroccan forward.
Liverpool chase Barcola in £120m deal amid fee debate
Potential impact on the Etihad
City hope the Dutchman can relieve some of the scoring burden from Erling Haaland and add depth ahead of a congested schedule. A successful hijack would give Pep Guardiola another adaptable forward, complementing the recent signings of Marmoush and Savinho. The club’s primary target remains Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but Gakpo could arrive as a valuable late addition.
Other clubs eye the Dutch forward
Romano told GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast that Manchester City are talking to Gakpo’s agents again today, but Tottenham Hotspur have already secured the player’s personal terms from July and remain the priority for the forward. De Zerbi’s Brighton side also expressed interest, while the Lilywhites have bolstered their attack with Marmoush and Savinho, potentially affecting Gakpo’s options. Tottenham’s pursuit hinges on game‑time guarantees, and the North London club has yet to agree on a fee with Liverpool.
Liverpool push ahead with £123m Barcola deal as medical looms
For Liverpool, losing Gakpo would mean a further reshuffle of Iraola’s plans, with Barcola now entrenched as the preferred striker. The Dutchman’s departure could free up wages and open a pathway for younger talent, but it also removes a player who has contributed fifty‑one goals in one‑hundred‑eighty‑one games. The coming days will determine whether the Etihad can hijack the move or if Gakpo’s next chapter lies elsewhere.