Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 31 Aug 2026
Gakpo's Man City Move Collapses as Liverpool Fail to Find Replacement
Liverpool's failure to secure a replacement has scuppered Cody Gakpo's £85m switch to Manchester City.
C. Gakpo
player
Player
Cody Gakpo
From
Liverpool
To
Manchester City
Fee
Around £85m
What happened. Cody Gakpo's transfer to Manchester City is off because Liverpool couldn't secure a replacement, despite signing Bradley Barcola for £123m.
- Liverpool had bids for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr rejected.
- Gakpo started both of Liverpool's first two Premier League games.
- Virgil van Dijk urged Gakpo to stay at Anfield.
“I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine.”
— Virgil van Dijk
Gakpo may now stay at Liverpool, with the transfer window closing soon.
In this story
Manchester City
LiverpoolMore to read
Mirror Football
Cody Gakpo to STAY at Liverpool as Man City make Enzo Fernandez top priority
This Is Anfield
Liverpool reject £80m Cody Gakpo bid from Man City
GiveMeSport
Ornstein: Liverpool Make Cody Gakpo Transfer Decision as Man City Bid £80m
Daily Mail Football
Don't go, Gakpo! Virgil van Dijk urges Liverpool team-mate to stay as Man City step up talks over £85m move
