Liverpool Hold Firm as Man City Join Race for Cody Gakpo

The tug-of-war for Cody Gakpo has burst into life, but Liverpool are holding the rope.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has outlined how Manchester City have now stepped directly into a race that Tottenham thought they had shaped weeks ago, yet any move hinges on one thing: Liverpool replacing their Dutch forward not once, but twice.

Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that City have “made direct contact and held a meeting with Cody Gakpo's agents,” with initial discussions already touching on contract figures. City, as ever, are not window-shopping. They are preparing to compete.

Tottenham, though, got there first.

According to Romano, Spurs have had a verbal agreement with Gakpo over personal terms since July. The framework of a contract is in place from their side, the financial package essentially ready to go if Liverpool and Tottenham can find common ground on a fee.

Crucially, that agreement does not mean Gakpo is agitating to leave Anfield. Romano stressed that the forward is “very happy” at Liverpool. This is not a player forcing the exit door; it is a player with options, should his club decide to cash in.

Just as Spurs seemed to be waiting for Liverpool’s stance to soften, City arrived at the table. They have now held their own meeting with Gakpo’s camp and begun sketching out the numbers, signalling a willingness to go head‑to‑head with Tottenham for the 25‑year‑old.

The deciding voice, though, still belongs to Liverpool.

Romano was clear: Liverpool will not give the green light for Gakpo to leave in the final days of the window unless they can bring in two wingers. Not one. Two.

Inside Anfield, the plan is already mapped out. Bradley Barcola is described as the “top priority,” with that deal “still fully on.” Liverpool want him through the door first, then another wide player on top of that.

Talks are active. Romano says Liverpool have held discussions over two offers for Iyenoma Mudryk and remain in contact with the winger’s agent, while other alternatives are also being explored.

So the picture is sharp: Tottenham have the personal terms lined up, Manchester City have entered the race with meetings and numbers, and Gakpo is content where he is. Everything now rests on whether Liverpool can pull off a double swoop out wide.

If they do, one of England’s title contenders will land a major attacking weapon. If they don’t, Gakpo stays, and a late‑window power play from City and Spurs is left hanging in the air.