Cody Gakpo remains a Liverpool player after the club rejected a formal bid of approximately £80 million from Manchester City during the final stages of the summer transfer window. The 27-year-old forward has since held "clear the air" talks with the Anfield hierarchy to address the collapsed deal. Gakpo is now expected to be available for manager Andoni Iraola’s squad for the Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town on 4 September.
Anatomy of the aborted move
According to reports, Liverpool opted to block the move for the Netherlands international because they were unable to secure a suitable replacement before the deadline. The club explored late moves for several targets, including Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr, but were unable to finalise terms for either player. With the window closed and no reinforcement signed, the decision was taken to retain Gakpo, despite the significant financial package offered by the Premier League champions. Sources indicate the situation is now considered resolved, with the player committed to remaining at the club until at least the January window. The rejection represents a pivot towards stability after a period of intense late-window negotiation, ensuring that, unlike competitors who may have reshaped their squads on deadline day, Liverpool maintained the integrity of their existing attacking options.
Squad integration and Iraola's plans
The retention of Gakpo provides continuity for Iraola, who has integrated the forward into a reshaped attacking unit following the departure of Mohamed Salah earlier in the summer. While the club successfully signed Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain on 31 August, the coaching staff viewed Gakpo as essential to their tactical framework. The former PSV Eindhoven player has begun the 2026/27 campaign with productive form, recording one goal and one assist across his opening two appearances. Speaking on his current squad, Iraola recently noted: "He is playing very well for us." While City’s late pursuit caused significant disruption, Gakpo’s availability for the upcoming Ipswich fixture provides a boost to Liverpool’s attacking options as they look to maintain their early-season momentum.
