Van Dijk pleads for Gakpo to stay as City chase £85m deal

Cody Gakpo is on the brink of a £85 million transfer to Manchester City, with the Dutch winger linked to a move that could see him leave Merseyside. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has publicly urged the 26‑year‑old to remain at the Reds as talks intensify.

Lewis Steele of Football reported the story on 30 August 2026. The piece quotes the Reds’ captain and outlines the transfer saga.

Liverpool’s replacement plan

Liverpool will only consider selling Gakpo if a suitable replacement is secured, and the club has already moved for French winger Bradley Barcola for £123 million. Barcola is currently in England and will complete a medical before signing a five‑year deal. The Reds have also scouted Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace and Yankuba Minteh of Brighton as potential alternatives.

Manchester City’s bid and the stakes

Manchester City have stepped up talks over a deal worth around £85 million for the Dutch winger, who has started both of Liverpool’s first Premier League games this season. Van Dijk praised Gakpo’s quality, pace and a memorable goal against Chelsea, insisting he is a friend and an important player for the club.

Man City chase Cody Gakpo while Liverpool weigh a crucial winger exit

Barcola, a French winger, will undergo a medical ahead of finalising his five‑year contract, adding further depth to Liverpool’s attacking options.

With the transfer deadline on Tuesday, Van Dijk expressed frustration at Liverpool’s start to the season, saying, “After Tuesday we have to fight for everything with no regrets.” He added that the team must score more, concede less and dominate with and without the ball.

Liverpool chase Endrick as Barcola leaves right wing gap

If Gakpo stays, Liverpool retain a quality Dutch winger and preserve their Merseyside strength; if he departs, Manchester City lose a potential marquee signing while the Reds must rely on new arrivals to fill the void.