Manchester City are reportedly not ruling out a late move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. This potential deal, described as a bombshell, comes as the transfer window enters its final days.
According to a report from Yahoo Sports, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio is adamant that City have not given up on a deal for the Dutch attacker. The club is currently working through its attacking options after the departures of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week. City's need for reinforcements is underscored by their current injury list, which includes J. Doku, R. McAidoo, and M. Nunes, all sidelined.
Why would Liverpool sell to a rival?
A sale of Cody Gakpo to Manchester City would represent a significant shift in Premier League dynamics. Liverpool selling a key player to a direct title contender is rare. In fact, such a move would be the biggest sale Liverpool have ever made to another Premier League club. The report suggests Gakpo looks like a near-certainty to leave Anfield after a difficult campaign and the arrival of French forward Bradley Barcola. Liverpool are not expected to stop their business with Barcola, with potential exits still to be worked through before Monday's deadline.
What is Gakpo's current situation?
Cody Gakpo's future at Liverpool appears bleak. Despite signing a new contract just a year ago, the club has moved to replace him this summer. He has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with a reported price-tag of £70 million placed on him. A transfer to Manchester City would see the 27-year-old become a fierce rival to his former club. His potential arrival at the Etihad would be a major statement as City look to build on their solid start to the season, sitting 7th in the Premier League with 3 points from one game.
How does this fit City's current squad needs?
Manchester City's interest in Gakpo comes at a time when the squad is assessing its depth. The club has scored 2 goals and conceded 1 in its opening league match, showing both promise and room for improvement in the final third. Integrating a player of Gakpo's profile could provide a different attacking dimension. The Dutchman's versatility across the front line would offer Pep Guardiola more options, especially with a home fixture against 19th-placed Coventry City coming up on September 5th. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
What happens next before the deadline?
The final days of the transfer window are set for a frantic finish. With the deadline on Monday, both Manchester City and Liverpool have business to conclude. For City, the pursuit of Gakpo is one of several attacking considerations as they manage a squad dealing with early-season absences. The latest injuries report confirms the need for depth. For Liverpool, resolving Gakpo's future is a priority, with the possibility of a monumental sale to a domestic rival still on the table. This story, broken late in the window, shows the unpredictable nature of the market as clubs finalize their squads for the long campaign ahead.
