Man City open talks with Liverpool over Gakpo

Manchester City has begun negotiations with Liverpool regarding the potential signing of forward Cody Gakpo. The 27-year-old Dutch player has emerged as one of the key targets ahead of the transfer deadline. City, along with Tottenham Hotspur, have shown interest in Gakpo, but the English club appears to be his top preference if he leaves Liverpool before Tuesday's transfer window closes. On Saturday, City made initial contact with Liverpool regarding a possible move for the attacker.

Liverpool's decision to consider selling Gakpo stems from their agreement to sign Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, a deal worth up to £123 million. However, it is believed that Liverpool would prefer to sign another forward before approving Gakpo's departure this summer. The Reds are targeting Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr as their preferred targets.

Gakpo, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, has proven himself as a versatile forward in the Premier League, scoring 33 goals in 91 appearances for the club. He provided an assist for Alexander Isak's goal in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield, and scored once in their previous match against Newcastle.

Despite Liverpool's plans to strengthen their attacking options, discussions with City suggest that Gakpo may not be their first choice due to competition from Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha, and Barcola.

Financially, Liverpool would benefit significantly from a £85 million deal for Gakpo, considering his purchase price of £35 million from PSV Eindhoven in 2022. However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Hugo Ekitime, who is set to return until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles tendon, and Alexander Isak's ongoing injury issues, makes letting Gakpo leave a considerable risk for the club.