Liverpool opened formal discussions with Manchester City on Saturday regarding Cody Gakpo’s transfer, asPep Guardiola bids for the Dutch attacker ahead of the Tuesday transfer deadline.
Gakpo became City and Tottenham‘s principal transfer targets during the January transfer window, and although the Dutchman would prefer to move to the Eastlands if he moves this month, Spurs made an unsuccessful enquiry into his availability in recent days.
The 27-year-old looks likely to leave Merseyside before the transfer window closes following the Premier League’s giant agreement to purchase Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola for up to £123 million and the prospect of finding a replacement ahead of his departure is an additional challenge for all clubs involved in the potential transfer of Gakpo.
The forward was originally brought to Anfield from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 for approximately £35 million. He has since accumulated 33 Premier League goals from his 91 appearances, starting this season in fine form with an assist for Alexander Isak in a 2-2 draw against Notts Forest and the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United last weekend.
Liverpool are thought to be seeking about £85 million from the transfer, which would give them substantial profits from his initial fee, yet a late departure may force Iraola’s hand and leave Liverpool with a shortage of options upfront with Garman starlet Hugo Ekitike out until 2027.
