Full Breakdown
Manchester City Join Tottenham in Pursuit of Liverpool Forward Cody Gakpo
8/25/2026, 9:33:14 PM
Core Event
Manchester City have opened talks with Cody Gakpo’s representatives about a possible transfer from Liverpool, according to reports from the Liverpool Echo and Soccer News NL. Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be preparing a bid for the Dutch international. The interest emerges as the 2026 summer transfer window approaches its deadline.
Background & Context
Cody Gakpo, 27, joined Liverpool on a five-year contract a year ago and scored the club’s first Premier League goal of the 2026-27 season against Newcastle United. Liverpool’s manager Andoni Iraola is in his first official match, and the club is reportedly active in the market, with interest in other attackers such as Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. Manchester City, having generated funds from recent player sales, are looking to reinforce their attack after limited incoming forwards.
Data & Statistics
- Goal contribution: Scored Liverpool’s opening-season goal against Newcastle United.
- Transfer interest: Reported interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur; Liverpool have already rejected two bids for Yankuba Minteh, indicating willingness to negotiate on other players.
- Financial context: Manchester City’s recent sales of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have increased their transfer budget (exact figure not disclosed).
Official Statements & Responses
- A report attributed to Mounir Boualin of Soccer News NL on August 24, 2026 noted that Manchester City have informed Gakpo of their interest, while Liverpool have indicated they do not want to “just go along” with any move. The same source cited Tottenham Hotspur preparing a new bid.
- The Guardian’s transfer-rumour roundup mentioned that both Manchester City and Tottenham admire Gakpo, but Liverpool have not confirmed any imminent departure.
Why It Matters
Acquiring Gakpo would give Manchester City a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, addressing concerns about attacking depth highlighted by recent reports. Tottenham’s parallel pursuit could trigger a bidding war, potentially raising Gakpo’s transfer fee and influencing Liverpool’s negotiating position. The outcome may also affect the balance of attacking talent among the Premier League’s top clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While multiple outlets report City’s interest, no official club statement confirming formal negotiations has been released. Details of any potential offer, including fee or contract terms, remain undisclosed. Additionally, the extent of Tottenham’s bid preparation is described only in social-media posts, leaving the seriousness of their offer unclear.
What’s Next
The summer transfer window closes at the end of August 2026. Both Manchester City and Tottenham are expected to finalize any offers before the deadline, after which Liverpool will decide whether to retain Gakpo or negotiate a sale.
