The Liverpool forward has emerged as one of Manchester City’s main targets, and talks between all parties are already underway in an attempt to complete the deal.

According to The Athletic, Gakpo has decided to prioritize a potential move to the Etihad Stadium over interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Other reports in England also indicate that City have opened talks with Liverpool and that negotiations over the player’s personal terms are already taking place.

There is still no final agreement. City’s approach came very late in the transfer window, and the Reds must now decide whether they are willing to part ways with one of their attacking players with very little time remaining to find alternatives.

Gakpo Prefers a Future in Manchester

The player’s position could ultimately prove decisive.

The 27-year-old Gakpo has reportedly decided against a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur and would prefer to continue his career at Manchester City, where Enzo Maresca needs new options as he reshapes certain areas of his attack.

City have lost attacking depth during this transfer window. Savinho and Omar Marmoush both moved to Tottenham, while Jack Grealish’s future is also not completely certain.

In that scenario, Gakpo would offer an immediate solution. He can play on the left, operate as a center forward and move across different areas of the attack. He would also require no adaptation period to the Premier League.

Liverpool Must Decide What to Do With Gakpo

A potential departure leaves Liverpool with an important decision to make during the final days of the transfer window.

Gakpo remains an important part of the squad and, despite all the speculation surrounding his future, the Dutchman started in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, even providing an assist as he remained part of Andoni Iraola’s plans.

His potential departure would be particularly surprising because just a year ago he appeared completely committed to the project. In August 2025, Gakpo signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

That also strengthens the Reds’ position in any negotiations. There is no immediate contractual need to sell the forward and, with the transfer window close to shutting, finding a replacement would not be easy either.

But soccer can change very quickly.

An Important Chapter at Anfield Could Be Coming to an End

Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven at the end of 2022 and gradually established himself as an important part of the attack. Since then, he has made more than 150 appearances for the Reds and was also part of the team that won the 2024-25 Premier League title.

His versatility has been one of his biggest strengths. He can start from the left, move into central areas or operate as the focal point of the attack, qualities that could be very useful in Enzo Maresca’s system.

The Dutchman also recently featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals before the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the Round of 32.

The biggest question now is whether the two clubs can reach an agreement. Liverpool made a significant investment to sign him from PSV, and the forward remains under a long-term contract, meaning the Reds have no reason to accept just any offer.

For now, Cody Gakpo remains a Liverpool player and a final agreement has yet to be reached.

But Manchester City are stepping up their efforts in the final hours of the transfer window, and the Dutchman’s preference could ultimately prove decisive in turning this deal into one of the biggest moves of the summer.

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