Manchester City's ambitious £80 million bid for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is reportedly on the verge of failure as the transfer deadline looms. Despite Liverpool securing Bradley Barcola, the Reds are hesitant to sell without further attacking reinforcements.
- Man City's £80m bid for Cody Gakpo is likely to fail before the Tuesday deadline.
- Liverpool recently signed Bradley Barcola from PSG for £123m but still require more depth.
- City has pivoted to secure Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £65m.
The Premier League transfer window is reaching a fever pitch as Manchester City's proposed £80 million move for Cody Gakpo appears to be sliding toward collapse. The Dutch international has been a pivotal figure for Liverpool since his arrival from PSV in 2023, netting 51 goals across all competitions and becoming a versatile asset in the Reds' attacking lineup.
While Liverpool expressed a willingness to sanction the sale, their internal strategy was contingent on securing a comprehensive replacement. Although the Anfield club successfully completed the blockbuster signing of France international Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain for a staggering £123 million on Monday, the management feels the squad remains vulnerable in the winger positions.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this deadlock highlights a strategic tug-of-war between two English giants. Liverpool's refusal to sell Gakpo without a secondary target suggests a cautious approach to squad depth, while City's desperation for a versatile forward reveals a gap in Pep Guardiola's tactical blueprint for the upcoming season.
Liverpool's pursuit of alternatives has been fraught with difficulty. The club targeted Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace, but valuation disagreements have stalled these negotiations. With the Tuesday deadline approaching, the likelihood of Gakpo remaining at Anfield is now significantly higher.
The failure of the Gakpo deal underscores the current market volatility where selling clubs hold immense leverage during the final 48 hours of the window.
In a swift pivot, Manchester City has shifted its focus to other targets. The club has reportedly agreed to a £65 million deal with Everton for winger Iliman Ndiaye. The 26-year-old Senegal international, who was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, is now expected to become the latest addition to Enzo Maresca's squad.
| Player | Current/Former Club | Transfer Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Gakpo | Liverpool | £80m (Proposed) | Likely Staying |
| Bradley Barcola | PSG to Liverpool | £123m | Completed |
| Iliman Ndiaye | Everton to Man City | £65m | Agreed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Liverpool refusing to sell Cody Gakpo?
Liverpool wants to ensure they have sufficient attacking depth and have been unable to agree on valuations for other targets like Yankuba Minteh.
Who is Iliman Ndiaye?
He is a 26-year-old Senegal international winger from Everton who is set to join Manchester City for £65 million.
