Manchester City make shock move for Gakpo to leave Tottenham with transfer dilemma

Manchester City have made a surprise approach to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, directly challenging Tottenham Hotspur who had appeared to be closing in on the 27-year-old. Spurs had already seen a bid rejected by Liverpool and reportedly agreed personal terms with the Dutchman, only for City to enter the race in the final week of the summer window.

Gakpo, signed from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, has scored 51 goals in 181 appearances for Liverpool and remains under contract at Anfield until 2030. Liverpool are understood to be demanding in excess of £70m for the Netherlands international, who opened his account for the new season with a goal in the opening-day draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has spoken warmly of Gakpo’s form and attitude heading into the campaign. “Cody is performing really well. I think he has been training very well from the first day and understanding everything we need from his position,” Iraola said. “When you talk to him, you can feel that he understands the game and he is very smart. He has been one of our best players in the friendlies.”

City’s interest adds a significant twist to a window that has otherwise been relatively subdued at the Etihad. Enzo Maresca’s side are also on the verge of completing a deal for Lille and Monaco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while an agreement has been reached with Palmeiras for Allan Elias.

The Gakpo pursuit comes as City simultaneously prepare to sell to Spurs, with Savinho and Omar Marmoush thought to be close to a double departure worth around £140m. Maresca acknowledged the complexity of the situation, particularly regarding Savinho. “Since day one, he has been clear that he wants to leave,” the City manager said. “It’s complicated when players are clear they want a new challenge.”

On Marmoush, Maresca added: “Omar is still here, still with us — it’s a different situation to Savio. Savio, since day one, asked to leave, and Omar didn’t ask to leave since day one, not yet. We’ll see if Omar stays or what happens.”

Whether City can complete a deal for Gakpo before the window closes remains to be seen, but their intervention has left Tottenham’s plans in genuine doubt after what had appeared to be an all-but-done transfer.