Liverpool receive indirect 'credit' for €87m transfer decision this summer

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Liverpool have received praise for pulling the plug on Cody Gakpo’s proposed move to Manchester City - albeit indirectly.

The Netherlands international was close to joining Man City for an initial €87million (£75m) plus €6m (£5m) in add-ons this summer.

However, Liverpool pulled out of the deal after they were unable to sign a replacement, with Man City capturing Iliman Ndiaye from Everton instead.

All the while Gakpo has now been lauded for his professionalism, having showed no signs of frustration after Liverpool decided not to sell him.

Former Reds player Conor Coady says it would have been easy for the 27-year-old to lose focus but instead he deserves “an awful lot of credit” for his attitude.

Gakpo has led Liverpool to wins over Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Carabao Cup this month, registering a goal and three assists.

“You can rely on him,” Coady told Sky Sports after the victory over Spurs at Anfield on Tuesday. “Every manager seems to hang their hat on him. I think that’s what you want as managers, you want to be able to trust [the] players that you’ve got.

“He’s (Gakpo) got to take an awful lot of credit because, sometimes, when players don’t get their moves, their heads go down for a few weeks, they’re not too happy, you might start seeing [that] in their performances.

“He’s not, he’s stood up tall and gone, ‘okay’, he’s finished the match with the captain’s armband on, he’s played with a load of the young lads and drove and pushed, and done exactly what the manager wants him to do.

“And scored a fantastic goal at the same time. I think he deserves an awful lot of credit.”

Liverpool considered Minteh & Sarr as Gakpo neared exit

Gakpo will look to continue his fine form when Liverpool return to Premier League action against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

The forward joined the Merseysiders from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has registered 52 goals and 27 assists in 185 games, winning the Premier League title in 2024-25.

STATS

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

All Tournaments

2026/27

• 5

  Games

• 2

  Goals

• 4

  Assists

View all stats

Liverpool identified Yankuba Minteh as a possible replacement for Gakpo but had two offers rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion for the winger.

The 20-time league champions also had an enquiry for Senegal international Ismaila Sarr rebuffed by Crystal Palace, according to various outlets.

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