Cody Gakpo Prefers Manchester City Move Over Tottenham

Cody Gakpo opts for a transfer to Manchester City, dismissing a move to Tottenham, as discussions progress between the clubs.

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has decided to join Manchester City, and all parties are now in talks to reach an agreement.

The 27-year-old has decided against a move to Tottenham Hotspur and wants to complete a move to the Etihad.

The Netherlands international started and provided an assist in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Gakpo’s potential transfer to City comes after Liverpool finalised an agreement to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.

The interest from City in Gakpo was previously reported, especially after the departures of forwards Savinho and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham this summer. The Manchester club have also agreed a €40m (£34.3m; $46.4m) deal to sign winger Allan Elias from Palmeiras.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed uncertainty earlier this week, stating he “cannot guarantee anything” regarding Gakpo’s future.

After a standout performance during Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title-winning season, where he scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 49 appearances, Gakpo renewed his commitment with Liverpool through a new five-year deal in August 2025.

However, since then, the Netherlands international has struggled for form, netting only three league goals since the turn of the year despite regularly starting in every fixture. He did manage to shine on the international stage, scoring three times in four appearances at this summer’s World Cup before his nation exited in the last-32 stage against Morocco by penalties.

Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in a deal worth an initial £37million, potentially rising to £44m with add-ons, back in December 2022. He made an immediate impact, scoring seven times in 21 matches in the Premier League’s second half that season, totaling 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances for the club.

With reports of City’s interest in Gakpo hitting the fans earlier this week, reactions were somewhat muted. Much of this may stem from a prevailing atmosphere at the club fueled by news of sales rather than new signings. However, following a morale-boosting win, some City fans might be warming to the idea of Gakpo joining the squad.

Finding a player willing to serve as a backup to Erling Haaland is always a challenge, as opportunities for playtime are expected to be rare. The club had considered lower-profile strikers in the past.

Despite some fans not being overly enthusiastic about Gakpo’s name, the signing may yet make sense due to his impressive goal-scoring record at Liverpool, Premier League experience, versatility to play wide, and past performances on the international stage.

The financial details needed to complete the transfer may be significant, but with City’s increased budget this summer from numerous sales, expectations may be adjusted.