Full Breakdown
Gakpo Transfer Saga: Manchester City’s £80 million Bid Falls Through, Liverpool Retains Dutch Forward
9/1/2026, 12:01:40 AM
Core Event – Liverpool Rejects Manchester City’s Offer for Cody Gakpo
Manchester City opened negotiations with Liverpool for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, proposing a fee reported as up to £80 million. Liverpool turned down the bid, meaning the 27-year-old is expected to remain at Anfield as the summer transfer window closes. The rejection forces City to redirect its attention to other targets, notably winger Iliman Ndiaye.
Background & Context – Gakpo’s Form and Liverpool’s Summer Moves
Gakpo arrived from PSV Eindhoven in December 2022 for an initial £37 million, potentially rising to £44 million. He has recorded 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances for the club. In the 2024-25 title-winning season he contributed 18 goals and seven assists in 49 Premier League matches. The 2025-26 campaign began with a goal and an assist in the first two league fixtures, but his scoring dipped to three league goals after the turn of the year.
Liverpool also signed French forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal valued at up to £123 million, reshaping the club’s attacking options and heightening speculation about Gakpo’s future.
Timeline
- August 29, 2026 – A photograph shows Gakpo on the pitch at Anfield during a Premier League match.
- August 30, 2026 – SI publishes analysis of the transfer carousel involving Gakpo, Barcola and other wingers.
- August 14 – Deadline set by Chelsea for midfielder Enzo Fernandez; City missed the date.
- September 1 – Final deadline for the summer transfer window across Europe.
Data & Statistics
- Gakpo’s Liverpool record: 33 Premier League goals in 129 league appearances.
- Season-opening contributions: 1 goal and 1 assist in the first two league games.
- Barcola fee: reported as £106 million plus add-ons, alternatively up to £123 million.
- City’s confirmed summer signings: Allan Elias (£32 million from Palmeiras) and, after the Gakpo bid collapsed, a reported £65 million agreement with Everton for Iliman Ndiaye (Press Association).
Official Statements & Responses
- Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reiterated his desire to keep Gakpo, emphasizing both quality and personal friendship.
- City’s representatives confirmed a fee of up to £65 million for Iliman Ndiaye, indicating a swift pivot after the Gakpo offer was rejected (Press Association).
Criticism & Opposition
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher argued on social media that the club should sell Gakpo for the reported £80-85 million, saying the money could be used to acquire a right-winger and improve squad balance. He warned that Gakpo would become a squad player after Barcola’s arrival.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Bid amount: Sources list City’s offer as £75 million plus £5 million in add-ons, while others describe a single “up to £80 million” figure.
- Barcola transfer fee: Reported values range from £106 million plus add-ons to a total of £123 million.
- Gakpo’s career totals: One source cites 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances; another records 33 goals in 129 league matches. The discrepancy reflects differing scopes (all competitions vs. league only).
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's a quality player and I think we should keep quality players, but let's see what the next three days bring.” — Van Dijk, Liverpool captain
