Full Breakdown
Cody Gakpo Set to Stay at Liverpool After Manchester City Offer Rejected
9/1/2026, 3:57:49 AM
Core Event
Liverpool have turned down a late-summer bid from Manchester City for Dutch winger Cody Gakpo, meaning the 27-year-old will remain at Anfield for the upcoming season. The rejection was reported by multiple outlets, each citing a substantial offer that Liverpool deemed untenable without a suitable replacement.
Background and Context
Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and quickly became a regular starter, contributing a goal and an assist in his first two Premier League matches of the 2026-27 campaign. His performances have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, most notably Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool are rebuilding their attack after Mohamed Salah’s departure, adding French international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Transfer Market Activity and Replacement Search
Liverpool have focused on Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr as potential replacements, but both clubs have resisted offers. The club also explored Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, linked with Tottenham. The inability to secure a replacement before the deadline was cited as the primary reason for rejecting City’s proposal.
Data and Statistics
- Gakpo has recorded 51 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions.
- An alternative tally lists 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances (Liverpool.com).
- He signed a new five-year contract in August 2025.
- Barcola’s transfer fee is reported as an initial £106 million, potentially rising to £123 million.
Official Statements & Responses
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk urged the club to retain Gakpo, calling him a “quality player” and a “friend.” Manager Andoni Iraola emphasized the need for four wingers this summer, noting Barcola’s arrival was intended to bolster the left side while the club continues to search for additional options on the right.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact size of Manchester City’s offer:
- ESPN and Football365 cite a £75 million base fee plus £5 million in add-ons.
- The Independent and Liverpool.com refer to an £80 million bid.
- Football365 also mentions an £85 million figure.
No outlet has confirmed whether any formal contract negotiations were completed beyond the reported bid, and Liverpool have not disclosed the identity of any replacement target that satisfied their criteria before the window closed.
Why It Matters
Retaining Gakpo preserves Liverpool’s attacking depth as the club integrates Barcola and seeks additional wingers. The decision also reflects the broader financial balancing act faced by top clubs: a high-cost acquisition limits flexibility to fund further departures. For Manchester City, the rejected bid redirects attention toward other targets such as Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
What’s Next
Liverpool’s transfer strategy for the final hours of the window remains focused on securing a right-wing option, with Ismaïla Sarr identified as a leading candidate despite Palace’s reported asking price of £75 million. The club will also assess how best to deploy Barcola and Gakpo on opposite flanks, a tactical consideration highlighted by Iraola’s comments on squad balance. The summer window closes on deadline day, after which no further moves can be completed until the next transfer period.
