Transfer Collapse
Cody Gakpo will remain a Liverpool player beyond the summer transfer window after the club rejected an offer from Manchester City, according to multiple reports. The Athletic's David Ornstein reported that Liverpool turned down a bid of up to £80 million from City, a move that leaves the Dutch winger on Merseyside despite his initial willingness to consider a transfer.
The Sun, citing club sources, reported that an £80 million package, including £75 million up-front, had been agreed between the clubs. However, Liverpool's failure to secure a replacement for the 27-year-old, particularly Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, made the club uncomfortable with letting Gakpo go. Liverpool had a £50 million bid for Sarr rejected last week and returned with an improved offer, but Palace remained adamant that Sarr would not leave Selhurst Park. A similar pursuit of Brighton's Yankubu Minteh also stalled.
Gakpo, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in a £44 million deal at the end of 2022, had been linked with both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City during the summer, with City emerging as the frontrunners late in the window. Although he was reportedly open to leaving, it is believed he is equally content to remain at Anfield.
Liverpool's Other Transfer Activity
Despite the failed pursuit of Sarr, Liverpool completed the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million, a deal described as a 'blockbuster' by The Sun. Barcola is expected to replace Mohamed Salah, who departed earlier in the summer. Liverpool also brought in Victor Munoz, who scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and have 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha as another option on the wing.
Gakpo himself demonstrated his importance to the team with a goal against Newcastle and an assist for Alexander Isak's equaliser against Nottingham Forest last weekend, reinforcing why Liverpool were reluctant to sell him.
Manchester City's New Target
With the Gakpo deal off, Manchester City are now focusing their efforts on signing Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, as reported by The Sun. New City boss Enzo Maresca is eager to reunite with Fernandez, whom he managed during his time at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea reportedly want around £120 million for the midfielder they spent £107 million on two-and-a-half years ago.
The Sun also reported that Chelsea had set a deadline for City to make a move, but no bid was submitted. There was also a claim that Xabi Alonso has left Fernandez out of his plans, though this was not detailed further.