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

Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over Dutch forward Cody Gakpo as the Reds evaluate whether to part with the player amid a reshuffle of their attacking options. He scored Liverpool’s first goal under Andoni Iraola in the 2‑2 draw at Newcastle and provided an assist in Saturday’s draw against Nottingham Forest.

Winger shortage forces tactical rethink

Andoni Iraola has indicated he wants four wingers in his squad, after starting the season with only three. The addition of Gakpo, who can operate as a left winger or centre‑forward, would restore balance to the Reds’ front line. Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34m and are close to securing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain in a deal worth up to £120m.

Beyond Barcola, Liverpool have bid for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and shown interest in Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, underscoring the club’s broader recruitment drive. Yet Iraola warned on Thursday he could not guarantee Gakpo would stay, leaving the Dutch international’s future uncertain.

Man City’s pursuit and squad reshuffle

Manchester City are targeting Gakpo as they look to replace Savio and Omar Marmoush, both of whom have joined Tottenham. The club’s plan involves an initial £75m fee for Savio and a loan‑to‑buy deal that could become a £60m purchase for Marmoush.

Tottenham eye Iliman Ndiaye as £80m swap after Gakpo walk‑away

City’s interest adds pressure on Liverpool, who must decide if allowing Gakpo to leave will free resources for further signings. Bookmark Comments Go to comments Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks.

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Manchester City chase Gakpo and Ndiaye as deadline looms

Liverpool’s next steps hinge on whether a satisfactory offer emerges and how quickly City can finalise its own deals. Until then, the Reds remain in a holding pattern, weighing the benefits of retaining a versatile Dutch forward against the financial and tactical gains of a sale.