Liverpool Block Cody Gakpo Move To Manchester City

Liverpool have blocked a late attempt from Manchester City to sign Cody Gakpo, rejecting a reported £80 million offer for the Netherlands international before the summer transfer window closed. The proposed move developed quickly during the final stages of the window, but Liverpool ultimately decided they were unwilling to lose another senior attacking player. Gakpo Reportedly Wanted City Move Reports suggest Gakpo was interested in joining Manchester City and had been open to the possibility of leaving Anfield. However, Liverpool refused to approve the transfer, bringing negotiations to an end before the deadline. The Guardian’s post-deadline transfer roundup also reported that Gakpo’s desired City move had been blocked by Liverpool. Gakpo subsequently held talks with Liverpool following the collapse of the proposed transfer. £80 Million Offer Rejected Manchester City’s offer was reported at around £80 million. Despite the significant fee, Liverpool decided keeping Gakpo was more valuable than completing another major sale, particularly because they had been unable to secure all of their preferred attacking alternatives. Barcola Arrival Did Not Change Liverpool’s Decision Liverpool had already completed a blockbuster move for Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, creating speculation that Gakpo could be allowed to leave. However, the club still wanted greater attacking depth following Mohamed Salah’s departure and Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury. Reuters reported before deadline day that Gakpo remained part of Liverpool’s attacking group even as Barcola’s arrival approached completion. Liverpool Missed Alternative Wingers Liverpool also explored deals for Ismaïla Sarr and Yankuba Minteh. Crystal Palace rejected Liverpool’s approach for Sarr, while Brighton’s valuation of Minteh complicated that possibility. With neither option completed, Liverpool were unwilling to weaken their squad by selling Gakpo. January Could Bring Another Decision Gakpo therefore remains a Liverpool player for the first half of the season. However, the fact Manchester City were prepared to make an £80 million move — combined with reports that Gakpo was interested in joining them — means his future is unlikely to disappear completely from the headlines. For now, Liverpool have won the battle to keep Cody Gakpo at Anfield.