Liverpool shut the door on Manchester City

Cody Gakpo is set to stay at Liverpool. The Dutch forward had emerged as one of Manchester City’s priority targets in the final days of the transfer window, but the Anfield club have now decided to close the door on his departure.

City reportedly put £85 million, around €100 million, on the table for the 27-year-old. Liverpool, however, had established one crucial condition before considering a sale: they first needed to find a replacement capable of filling the void left by Gakpo.

That ultimately did not happen and Liverpool have decided to reject Manchester City’s offer and keep Gakpo in their squad. It is also an outcome the Dutchman is comfortable with, having been prepared to remain at Anfield if a transfer failed to materialize.

Liverpool are not ready to give up on their investment

Gakpo arrived in England from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 after Liverpool paid around €42 million for his services.

Since then, the Netherlands international has established himself at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, using his pace, versatility and ability to operate across several attacking positions to become an important member of the squad.

His numbers underline that contribution: 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 competitive appearances for Liverpool. He has also won the Premier League and EFL Cup during his time at Anfield.

The search for a replacement changed everything

Liverpool did explore the market while considering whether to accept City’s massive offer. The arrival of Bradley Barcola already strengthened an area where Gakpo can operate, but the Reds still looked at other alternatives before potentially approving his departure.

One of those options was Ibrahim Mbaye, the Paris Saint-Germain academy product. That move, however, did not provide Liverpool with the solution they wanted to replace the Dutch international.

Tottenham had also shown interest in Gakpo as they looked to further strengthen an attack that already added Savinho and Omar Marmoush this summer. Liverpool’s decision, however, has now effectively shut the door on Gakpo’s suitors.

Gakpo will have to fight for his place at Anfield

Staying at Liverpool does not guarantee Gakpo an automatic starting role. Barcola’s arrival has increased competition in an already crowded attacking unit, giving the Reds several options throughout the season.

Gakpo, though, knows the club well and has already demonstrated his ability to perform in different attacking roles. His next challenge will be securing regular minutes in a squad expected to compete for major trophies.

For Manchester City, Liverpool’s refusal means turning their attention elsewhere in the closing hours of the transfer window. For the Reds, the message is clear: even an offer worth around €100 million was not enough to convince them to part ways with Cody Gakpo.

3 Key Takeaways From Cody Gakpo’s Future

• Liverpool turned down a fortune: Manchester City reportedly offered around €100 million, but the Reds decided against selling.
• No suitable replacement emerged: Liverpool were only prepared to let Gakpo leave if they could secure the right replacement.
• Gakpo is staying at Anfield: the Dutchman will remain with Liverpool, although he faces increased competition following the arrival of Bradley Barcola.

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