City Intensifies Hunt for Gakpo as Transfer Deadline Approaches

Manchester City have turned their attention to Cody Gakpo as the clock ticks towards the transfer deadline, with the champions sounding out the Liverpool forward’s potential availability, according to ESPN.

So far, it’s only been exploratory work. City have made enquiries about the Dutchman’s situation to gauge whether a deal might be possible, but they have not opened formal talks with Liverpool or tabled a bid.

The need is clear. Savinho’s move to Tottenham has ripped a hole in City’s wide options and left the Etihad hierarchy scrambling for another winger to carry the load in a season that will stretch deep into every competition.

Gakpo has picked the perfect moment to remind everyone of his threat. He started for Liverpool and scored a key goal in their 2-2 draw with Newcastle, underlining exactly why top clubs across Europe have tracked him for years.

Liverpool hold firm – for now

Liverpool’s stance this summer has been straightforward: Gakpo is not for sale. The club want him in Jürgen Klopp’s squad and have pushed that message firmly.

That line, though, comes with a caveat. The position could soften if Liverpool manage to land attacking reinforcements before the window shuts. The recruitment team at Anfield are working aggressively to refresh the forward line, aware that any major incoming business could reshape the picture around Gakpo.

Talks remain active with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola, as Liverpool try to prise the young forward away from France. At the same time, Brighton & Hove Albion have already knocked back two separate Liverpool bids for winger Yankuba Minteh, forcing the Reds to decide whether to return with a third offer or pivot elsewhere.

If those deals fall into place and Liverpool feel secure in attack, City may finally see a crack in the door. They would still need to move at speed. Tottenham, already having taken Savinho from Manchester, are also showing concrete interest in Gakpo and are ready to challenge for his signature before the deadline.

Multiple targets, mounting pressure

Gakpo is high on City’s list, but he is not the only name. The club are also weighing a move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as they scour the market for wide options that fit Pep Guardiola’s system and the club’s long-term planning.

City have already acted in attack. A €40 million (£34m) agreement is in place with Palmeiras for Brazilian forward Allan, who will add another dimension to the front line once his move is completed. That deal, though, does not end the search. The feeling inside the club is that one more winger is needed to properly cover the demands of the season.

Midfield ripped apart – and rebuilt at a cost

While the forward chase grabs the headlines, City’s midfield is being torn up and rebuilt at breakneck speed.

Nico Gonzalez is close to sealing a move to Newcastle, another significant departure from the Etihad engine room. His exit would continue a remarkable exodus, following the departures of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders earlier in the window. Few clubs can lose that level of control and creativity without a response.

City’s answer has been to spend big. Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi has already arrived in Manchester to complete a €100m transfer from Lille, a statement signing designed to anchor the next phase of Guardiola’s midfield.

The recruitment drive is not stopping there. Enzo Fernandez remains firmly on City’s radar, with the club closely tracking the Argentinian’s situation at Chelsea as the deadline creeps closer. Any sign of movement in London could trigger another major bid from the Etihad.

Deadline days of risk and opportunity

City’s hierarchy now juggle two delicate fronts: rebuilding a midfield that has lost its core and landing at least one more winger to keep the attack sharp. Gakpo sits at the crossroads of that plan, a primary option out wide if Liverpool’s stance softens and the numbers add up.

The champions will keep testing the market, keep asking the question about Gakpo, and keep scanning for alternatives until the window slams shut.

By then, will Cody Gakpo still be at Anfield, or walking out under the lights at the Etihad?