Manchester City are preparing a major bid for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as they look to strengthen their attacking options. The Premier League champions have reportedly reached an agreement with the Dutchman’s representatives over personal terms, leaving negotiations between the two clubs as the next significant hurdle.
City are now expected to present Liverpool with an offer worth around £85 million for the 24-year-old forward. The proposed fee would exceed €99 million, making it a substantial investment in a player valued for his versatility as well as his goalscoring ability.
Gakpo’s capacity to operate across the front line is understood to be a major attraction for Manchester City. The Netherlands international can play on either wing and is also capable of leading the attack through the centre. His ability to switch positions gives a manager greater flexibility when building an attacking system, particularly during a long season involving domestic and European competitions.
Should the reported transfer go through for the proposed fee, Gakpo would become the most expensive Dutch player in football history. The current record is held by Frenkie de Jong, who moved from Ajax to Barcelona in 2019 for an initial €75 million, with a further €11 million available through add-ons. A deal worth more than €99 million would therefore represent a new benchmark for a Dutch player.
Liverpool, however, are not expected to approve Gakpo’s departure simply because a sizeable offer arrives. The club are understood to want an adequate replacement in place before allowing the forward to leave. That condition could prove crucial in determining whether City are able to complete the proposed move.
The situation is closely linked to Liverpool’s own plans in attack. The club have reportedly agreed a £123 million deal to sign French forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite that expected addition, Liverpool are also looking to bring in another wide attacker to increase their options in the final third.
Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr is reportedly among the leading candidates. Liverpool have already made an offer of around £50 million for the Senegal international, according to the report. If the club can secure Sarr’s arrival, Liverpool could be more willing to consider Gakpo’s departure.
For Manchester City, the pursuit of Gakpo reflects the value placed on forwards capable of filling several attacking roles. Rather than being restricted to one position, the Dutchman can provide options across the frontline, potentially allowing City to alter their attacking shape without making a substitution.
For Liverpool, meanwhile, the decision will involve balancing the financial value of a potential record-breaking sale with the need to maintain depth and quality in attack. The outcome may ultimately depend on whether the club can complete their own recruitment plans before deciding Gakpo’s future.
With City preparing a bid and Liverpool working on possible replacements, Gakpo’s situation has become one of the major transfer developments surrounding the two Premier League clubs.
