Cody Gakpo Transfer Saga: Manchester City Joins Tottenham in Race

Cody Gakpo has become the latest flashpoint in a late-summer tug of war between Premier League heavyweights, with Manchester City stepping directly into a race long thought to be led by Tottenham – all while Liverpool hold the most important card.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that City have now made their move, holding a face-to-face meeting with the Liverpool forward’s representatives to explore a potential deal. The Premier League champions have already started talking numbers, sounding out what a contract at the Etihad might look like for the Dutchman.

They are not alone at the table.

Tottenham, Romano says, have had a verbal agreement in place with Gakpo on personal terms since July. Spurs have mapped out the financial package and are effectively “ready” on the player side if Liverpool ever agree to negotiate a fee. The forward is not pushing to leave Anfield and is described as very happy at the club, but Tottenham’s groundwork means they are positioned to strike instantly if the door opens.

City’s late arrival changes the landscape. The champions are prepared to go head-to-head with Spurs, and their direct talks with Gakpo’s camp underline how serious their interest has become as the window ticks towards its final days.

Liverpool, though, remain the gatekeepers.

Romano is clear: the Reds will not sign off on Gakpo’s departure this late in the window unless they first bring in two wingers. The club’s recruitment plan is central to the entire saga, and everything hinges on whether those attacking reinforcements arrive in time.

Bradley Barcola is described as Liverpool’s top priority, with that pursuit “still fully on.” On top of that, the club have held talks over two offers for Iyenoma Mudryk and remain in contact with his agent, while also keeping other alternatives in play.

So the equation is simple, but the outcome is anything but. City and Spurs are circling, Gakpo’s terms are mapped out on one side and being discussed on the other, yet Liverpool will only unlock the move if they can reshape their attack first.

If they land Barcola and another winger, the battle for Gakpo could explode into one of the defining stories of the window’s final days. If they don’t, City and Tottenham may find the door slammed shut just as the opportunity seemed within reach.