Manchester City have officially expressed interest in signing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as the club looks to bolster its attacking options before the deadline. According to The Athletic, the Premier champions are targeting the 27-year-old international to provide fresh depth to Pep Guardiola's frontline units.
The pursuit of the Dutch forward represents a significant investment for the Manchester club. While Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in December 2022 for a fee of £37 million potentially rising to £44m, his market value has skyrocketed, now crossing the £75m mark. Liverpool would only consider letting the player leave if they secure a minimum of two attacking reinforcements prior to next week.
Gakpo has been a vital figure for the Reds since his arrival, recently signing a five-year contract in August 2025 that would keep him at the club until 2030. During his tenure in Merseyside, he has recorded 51 goals and 23 assists in 181 appearances. His contributions were essential during the 2024/25 Premier League title-winning season where he netted 18 goals and provided seven assists across 49 appearances.
The potential move comes at a time when Manchester City are navigating a complex squad situation. The club currently sits 7th in the standings with 3 points after one game. They have scored two goals and conceded one so far this campaign. Integration of Gakpo is being considered to offer tactical flexibility, especially with key players like Jérémy Doku and Ryan McAidoo currently sidelined with injuries.
On the international stage, Gakpo scored three times in four appearances this summer's World Cup, though his nation exited in the last 32 stage with a defeat to Morocco. Despite that heartbreak, he maintained a strong start to the 2025/26 season, featuring in every fixture and regularly starting for Liverpool. He scored his first goal of the campaign in the opening draw against Newcastle United on Sunday.
If the deal progresses, Gakpo would become City's third signing of the summer. No player has moved between Manchester City and Liverpool since Raheem Sterling in 2015. Liverpool correspondent James Pearce reported on the level of interest, while Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee provided analysis on the potential Gakpo move itself.
With the window closing fast, both clubs must decide quickly if a deal is viable. The financial requirements are high, but the versatility of the Dutch forward makes him an attractive prospect for the Etihad giants.
