Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo wants to join Manchester City – Report
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has decided to join Manchester City, with the two clubs reportedly in talks to reach an agreement, according to The Athletic.
The 27-year-old Netherlands international has reportedly opted against a move to Tottenham Hotspur and wants to complete a transfer to the Etihad Stadium.
Gakpo started Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, providing an assist during the Premier League fixture.
Gakpo’s potential departure comes after Liverpool reached an agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
City’s interest in Gakpo was first reported on August 24, with the Manchester club looking to strengthen their attacking options following the departures of Savinho and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham this summer.
The report added that City have also agreed a €40 million (£34.3 million) deal to sign Palmeiras winger Allan Elias.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola had earlier said he “cannot guarantee anything” regarding Gakpo’s future at the club.
Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in December 2022 in a deal worth an initial £37 million, with the transfer potentially rising to £44 million through add-ons.
He scored seven goals in 21 Premier League appearances during the second half of his first season at Anfield.
Gakpo then enjoyed a productive 2024-25 campaign, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 49 appearances as Liverpool won the Premier League title. He subsequently signed a new five-year contract with the club in August 2025.
His form declined during the second half of the 2025-26 season, although he continued to feature regularly for Liverpool.
The forward also scored three goals in four appearances for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup before his country exited the tournament following a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the last-32 stage.
Gakpo has made 180 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 50 goals and providing 23 assists.
Manchester City see the Dutch forward as an option who could provide competition and cover for Erling Haaland while also offering flexibility in wide attacking positions.
The Athletic’s Manchester City reporter Sam Lee noted that Gakpo’s Premier League experience, physicality, goalscoring record and versatility could make the proposed move a logical addition to City’s squad.
Lee also pointed to the difficulty City have faced in recruiting forwards willing to operate as alternatives to Haaland because of the striker’s established role in the team.
Gakpo’s ability to play centrally or from the wings could therefore give City additional tactical options.
The report indicates that the transfer fee is expected to be substantial, with negotiations continuing between Liverpool and Manchester City over the terms of the proposed deal.
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