Story perspectives

Liverpool rejects £80m bid for Cody Gakpo

9/1/2026

Summary

Liverpool Blocks Gakpo Bid

Liverpool rejected Manchester City's £80 million bid for Cody Gakpo, keeping the Dutch winger.
The offer comprised £75 million upfront and £5 million in add-ons.
Liverpool said they would sell only after finding a replacement, which did not happen.
Captain Virgil van Dijk urged the club to retain Gakpo after a 2-2 draw.
Manchester City turned to target Enzo Fernández and Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

Summary

Iraola Deploys Flank

Andoni Iraola deployed Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz on Liverpool’s right flank after Cody Gakpo’s stalled move.
Liverpool’s attempts to sign Yan Diomande, Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr were rejected, leaving no new right-winger.
Iraola’s earlier success replacing Bournemouth’s departing stars is cited as a benchmark for handling the current squad overhaul.
The club’s midfield and right-back areas are flagged as additional problem spots needing reinforcement before the season starts.

Summary

Fans Reject Sarr

Fans have flooded social media with #NoToSarr, opposing a £75 million move for Ismaila Sarr.
The hashtag reflects anger over Sarr’s inconsistent record and injury history.
Liverpool supporters also expressed rage toward ownership after the Gakpo transfer saga.
The boardroom described the £106 million Barcola purchase as a financial domino requiring immediate sacrifices.

History

Historical Context

In summer 2009 Real Madrid paid £80 million for Cristiano Ronaldo, the first eight-figure British pound transfer. The move launched the club’s “Second Galácticos” era, and in the 2009-10 season Madrid scored a record 102 La Liga goals and finished second with 96 points, a high later surpassed by Liverpool’s 97 points in 2018-19.

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Liverpool Blocks Gakpo Bid

Liverpool rejected Manchester City's £80 million bid for Cody Gakpo, keeping the Dutch winger.
The offer comprised £75 million upfront and £5 million in add-ons.
Liverpool said they would sell only after finding a replacement, which did not happen.
Captain Virgil van Dijk urged the club to retain Gakpo after a 2-2 draw.
Manchester City turned to target Enzo Fernández and Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

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