Man City make Cody Gakpo switch method as Liverpool face uncommon £70m determination
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Tottenham and Manchester City both reportedly interested in signing the Dutchman
Manchester City have made a transfer approach for Liverpool star Cody Gakpo(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA, Getty Images)
Manchester City have joined the pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as they look to pip rivals Tottenham to his signature. Gakpo, 27, has been touted for a departure from Anfield this summer.
Spurs had emerged as potential buyers in recent days, having already seen an offer rejected for his services. The Dutchman has reportedly agreed personal terms on a switch to North London.
However, it seems they now face competition for Gakpo’s signature from Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City. According to reports, City have made their opening move to secure the Dutchman and potentially gazump Spurs to a deal.
It remains unclear how much Liverpool would demand for the 27-year-old, though it has previously been suggested it would require over £70m to strike an agreement. Gakpo was recruited from Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and has subsequently netted 51 goals in 181 outings for the Reds – including one in the opening day draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Enzo Maresca wants to bring Cody Gakpo to Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
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He remains tied to Liverpool until 2030, while Andoni Iraola has expressed his appreciation of the forward, reports the Mirror.
Speaking ahead of the trip to the North East, the Spanish coach said: “Cody is performing really well. I think he has been training very well from the first day and understanding everything we need from his position.
“When you talk to him, you can feel that he understands the game and he is very smart. He has been one of our best players in the friendlies and performing very well. I cannot tell you the starting XI, the players don’t know it, but he is definitely in a great spot.”
Should City get a deal across the line, Gakpo could become the third major signing at the Etihad late in the window. City are also on the brink of wrapping up a substantial move for Lille and Monaco star Ayyoub Bouaddi, while an agreement has also been reached with Palmeiras for Allan Elias.
Tottenham are also keen on the Dutch international(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Their pursuit of Gakpo is also a fascinating development, given they are poised to conduct business with Spurs in the final week of the window. Savinho and Omar Marmoush are believed to be close to a double deal worth around £140m.
Speaking about the pair, City boss Enzo Maresca said: “Omar is still here, still with us, it’s a different situation to Savio and we see. Savio, since day one, asked to leave, and Omar didn’t ask to leave since day one, not yet.
“It’s always complicated when someone leaves, and one has to arrive. We’ll see if Omar stays or what happens.”
He added: “It’s quite clear that when players want to leave for any reason, it is complicated to convince them to stay and to change. It happened with Rodri, the same is happening with Savinho.
“Since day one, he has been clear that he wants to leave. Now we are waiting. It’s complicated when players are clear they want a new challenge, or they want to go to Spain or play more minutes, it becomes complicated to convince them to stay.”
