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Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is on the verge of a surprise move to Manchester City after preferring a transfer to the Etihad Stadium over Tottenham Hotspur. The Netherlands international is understood to be keen on the switch, with all parties now working towards a final agreement for the marquee transfer.

Maresca targets Gakpo as City revamp their attack

As per The Athletic, Manchester City have become the leading destination for Gakpo, with the Liverpool attacker making it clear that he wants to join Enzo Maresca's team. The 27-year-old has reportedly rejected the option of moving to Tottenham Hotspur and instead favoured a switch to the Etihad as the club plans changes to its forward line.

Discussions are ongoing between the relevant parties in an effort to complete a deal that would take the Dutch international from Anfield to Manchester. The potential transfer comes during a period of change for City, who have already signed Brazilian prospect Allan Elias from Palmeiras for €40 million, while also approving the exits of forwards Savinho and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham this summer.

Liverpool get ready for life after the Dutch star

Liverpool seem to be preparing for Gakpo's departure, having already wrapped up an agreement to bring in Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. In spite of the continuing transfer noise, Gakpo stayed professional in Liverpool's recent 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, starting the match and registering an assist. Even so, indications of a possible exit have continued to build, particularly after manager Andoni Iraola said earlier this week that he 'cannot guarantee anything' about the forward's future.

Gakpo's spell at Anfield has featured major contributions, with 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2022. Although he signed a new five-year deal as recently as August 2025, his form has been inconsistent of late, with only three league goals since the start of the year.

Gakpo's strong Anfield legacy and World Cup comeback

The deal would represent significant business for Liverpool, who initially signed Gakpo for £37 million, with the fee potentially rising to £44 million through add-ons. After playing a central role in the club's 2024-25 Premier League title-winning season — during which he delivered 18 goals and seven assists — Gakpo remains a player of considerable value.

He scored three goals in four matches at this summer's World Cup before his team were knocked out in the round of 32 after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout. Notably, he returned to action only days after his partner, Noa, shared the heartbreaking news that they had lost their unborn child.

The latest big-name departure from Liverpool

If Gakpo leaves, he would become the latest major exit from Anfield in what has been a summer of transformation. The Netherlands international would follow talisman Mohamed Salah, as well as key players Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones, underlining a significant squad rebuild for Liverpool at the beginning of the new season.