Manchester City are ready to make a big move for Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, with Fabrizio Romano detailing exactly what fee is being lined up.
The Athletic reported on Saturday that the 27-year-old has made up his mind to move to Enzo Maresca’s side, with negotiations now underway to get a deal over the line. Notably, he’s turned down long-term admirers Tottenham in favour of the switch. His likely departure comes just as Liverpool close in on a big-money swoop for Bradley Barcola from PSG, a deal that could eventually be worth up to £123m and rank as the club’s second-priciest signing ever.
Romano gave the update late Saturday night, confirming City are preparing an £85m package for Gakpo after reaching terms with his representatives. City are pushing to get the transfer finalised, though they’re waiting on Liverpool’s green light once a replacement is lined up.
It’s easy to see the financial logic — Liverpool paid an initial £37m for Gakpo back in December 2022, so turning down £85m for a 27-year-old with limited resale upside ahead looks tempting on paper. But from a football standpoint, letting one of your best-performing players walk to a direct rival with the window closing in under 72 hours is baffling, especially with Andoni Iraola openly calling for a deeper squad.
Gakpo has been in excellent form to start the campaign — he scored in the 2-2 at Newcastle and teed up Alexander Isak’s equaliser against Nottingham Forest, well and truly shaking off last season’s struggles. Barcola may well slot straight in on the left once his PSG move is confirmed, but Gakpo has shown he can operate across the front line, including a strong shift on the right against Forest at the weekend.
There’s a case that both players could coexist at Anfield rather than one signing forcing the other out. But if Gakpo has set his heart on City, there’s probably little Liverpool can do to change his mind.
This has the makings of a transfer decision the club could end up regretting.
