Liverpool make final Cody Gakpo decision after Man City bid - David Ornstein

Updated: 31 Aug 2026 17:11 BST | 4 min read

Cody Gakpo, Liverpool, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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Liverpool have rebuffed an offer from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo and now expect the forward to stay put.

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The Netherlands international's future has taken another major twist. Gakpo looked to be on his way out of Liverpool this summer as he was fielding strong interest from numerous clubs despite a disappointing 2025/26 season.

The forward can be a frustrating and predictable player, and there were suggestions that Liverpool would look to cash in on him. However, signing attacking reinforcements has proved difficult for the Reds this summer.

Current ETV

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€50.4M - €61.6M

They successfully hijacked Newcastle's proposed deal for Victor Munoz earlier in the window and, on Monday, confirmed the blockbuster capture of PSG winger Bradley Barcola in a transfer that can rise as high as €145 million, but they still look light on attacking options.

Liverpool have failed to sign a specialist right-winger to replace Mohamed Salah and have seen bids for Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh rebuffed by Crystal Palace and Brighton, respectively. Due to this state of affairs, they have now decided to keep Gakpo.

Gakpo to stay at Liverpool

The 27-year-old has agreed personal terms with both Tottenham and Man City this summer, but David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the matter appears to have been put to bed, with Gakpo going nowhere.

A formal offer from Man City worth north of €90m has been rejected, and the clubs have communicated that the deal is off, with the Etihad club instead focusing on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

City's bid clocked in at a lower fee than previously suggested, with reports earlier this week claiming that the Manchester club would be set to pay as much as €100m for Gakpo.

Either way, the Dutchman now looks set to remain at Anfield. Although he was keen on the move to Man City, Gakpo is content to stay at Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It remains to be seen what this decision means for Liverpool's chase for a right-winger. Both Gakpo and Munoz have shown that they can play on the right flank even if their preferred position is on the left.

Sarr is reportedly pushing for Crystal Palace to allow him to join Liverpool, but the Eagles are reluctant to lose their star forward. One would imagine that their poor start to the season has only reinforced that stance.