Manchester City's proposed £80m move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is close to collapsing. The deal's failure hinges on Liverpool's inability to sign a replacement winger before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
City, who sit 1st in the Premier League with six points from two wins, opened talks with their rivals over the Netherlands international. Liverpool's stance has been clear: they are willing to sell the 27-year-old only if they can bring in another attacking player. This condition has now put the entire transfer in serious doubt.
Liverpool completed the major signing of France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain for up to £123m on Monday. Despite that addition, the Anfield club would want another winger if Gakpo were to leave. They had targeted moves for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, but valuations for both players proved problematic. With the clock ticking towards the 31 August deadline, Liverpool are now expected to keep Gakpo unless they can suddenly revive a deal for a new wide attacker.
This leaves Manchester City's pursuit effectively over. Manager Enzo Maresca will have to look elsewhere to bolster his attacking options, especially with Jérémy Doku currently sidelined. The team's strong start, scoring six goals and conceding just two, provides a solid platform, but the squad depth will be tested across multiple competitions. Fans can track the team's availability on our injuries page.
While the Gakpo move falters, City acted decisively elsewhere. On Monday, they agreed a £65m deal with Everton for winger Iliman Ndiaye. The 26-year-old Senegal international was expected to join Tottenham but is now set to be Maresca's latest signing. This acquisition addresses a direct need on the flank and demonstrates the club's proactive approach in the market, even when one high-profile target slips away.
Ndiaye's arrival adds a different profile to City's attacking ranks. His versatility and experience in the Premier League could provide immediate support as the fixture list intensifies.
The collapse of the Gakpo deal is a setback for a specific plan, but not for the club's overall ambitions. Securing Ndiaye ensures the squad isn't left short. City's perfect league start, with victories in both matches, shows the team is already functioning at a high level. The focus now shifts to maintaining that momentum.
The next test comes quickly, with a home match against Coventry City scheduled for 05 September. Coventry are currently 17th in the table, presenting an opportunity for City to extend their winning run. All upcoming matches are listed on our fixtures page. The transfer window drama concludes on Tuesday, but the on-pitch action continues just days later.
