Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has reportedly made a decision about his future with the summer transfer deadline approaching.
The Dutch international has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, with Tottenham and Manchester City among the sides linked with a potential move for the 27-year-old.
However, Gakpo is now understood to have rejected a move to Tottenham and instead favored a switch to Manchester City, with discussions reportedly underway over a possible late transfer.
Gakpo Chooses Manchester City Over Tottenham
Gakpo has been linked with a departure from Liverpool during the current transfer window, despite only recently committing his future to the club.
Tottenham had reportedly remained interested in bringing the winger to north London. Their pursuit continued even after the club completed deals involving Manchester City players Savinho and Omar Marmoush.
But the latest reports suggest Tottenham will not be Gakpo’s destination.
The Dutchman has instead chosen Manchester City as his preferred next club, with negotiations now believed to be taking place between the relevant parties.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, there could be a race against time to determine whether a deal can actually be completed.
Gakpo’s Liverpool Record
Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in December 2022 in a transfer reported to be worth around £37 million.
Since arriving at Anfield, he has established himself as an important member of Liverpool’s attacking options.
The forward has reportedly scored 50 goals and provided 23 assists in 180 appearances across all competitions.
Gakpo also signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool last year, keeping him tied to the club until 2030.
That long-term agreement means any potential transfer would likely require a significant fee and agreement between the clubs.
Gakpo Continues to Make an Impact
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Gakpo has continued to feature for Liverpool.
He started Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on the right side of the attack and played a role in the team’s attacking efforts.
His performance came at a time when questions were already being raised about where he fits best within the team’s attacking structure.
Gakpo has generally been associated with the left wing, but his versatility allows him to operate from different positions.
That flexibility could make him an attractive option for clubs looking to add another attacking player to their squad.
Liverpool Boss Addresses Gakpo’s Position
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola was asked whether Gakpo could continue playing on the right wing.
The manager explained that Liverpool’s wide players often have preferred positions, but tactical decisions are also influenced by the opposition and the specific demands of each match.
Iraola said the team looks at the match-up and considers what each winger needs to do on either side of the pitch.
He also explained that changes were made involving Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz during the Forest match.
Gakpo was reportedly close to being substituted after Liverpool scored, but his involvement in the build-up encouraged the manager to keep him on the pitch for a few more minutes.
Iraola praised the attacking quality of the goals and said the team created momentum after finding the net.
Liverpool Still Expecting Transfer Activity
With the transfer deadline approaching, Liverpool is also expected to remain active in the market.
When asked whether there could be more arrivals at Anfield, Iraola admitted that discussions were continuing but stopped short of providing specific details.
He acknowledged that clubs naturally have plenty of activity during the final stages of the transfer window.
The manager said he was looking forward to September 2, when the transfer window would be closed, and Liverpool would know exactly which players would make up their squad.
Until then, uncertainty remains part of the process.
Why Manchester City Could Appeal to Gakpo
A potential move to Manchester City would represent a major change for Gakpo.
City have consistently competed for major domestic and European honors, while their attacking system offers players opportunities to operate in several different positions.
Gakpo’s ability to play on either flank, as well as contribute centrally, could make him a useful tactical option.
However, competition for attacking places at City would also be intense. Any move would therefore raise questions about how regularly Gakpo could start and what role the club would expect him to play.
Tottenham Face Disappointment
Tottenham’s reported interest in Gakpo could now end in disappointment if the player has indeed chosen Manchester City.
The north London club has already been busy in the transfer market, making several significant moves.
Adding Gakpo would have given them another versatile attacking option, particularly because of his Premier League experience.
However, the player’s reported preference could prove decisive as the deadline approaches.
A Race Against Time
The biggest question now is whether the reported talks can produce an agreement before the transfer deadline.
Gakpo remains under contract with Liverpool until 2030, meaning Liverpool is under no immediate pressure to sell.
His contract situation could give the club considerable negotiating power if another team wants to sign him.
At the same time, the player would need to agree on personal terms, while the interested club and Liverpool would have to settle on a transfer fee and other conditions.
With only limited time remaining in the window, every stage of the process would need to move quickly.
Gakpo’s Liverpool Future Remains Uncertain
For now, Gakpo’s future at Liverpool remains one of the more intriguing late-window transfer stories.
He has already spent several seasons at Anfield and has produced strong numbers since arriving from PSV.
Yet reports of interest from Manchester City and Tottenham have created fresh uncertainty around his position.
If the latest claims are accurate, Gakpo has made his preference clear by choosing Manchester City over Tottenham.
The crucial issue is whether the clubs can now reach an agreement before the deadline.
Until the paperwork is completed and the transfer is officially confirmed, Liverpool supporters will have to wait to discover whether the Dutch forward remains at Anfield or begins a new chapter elsewhere in the Premier League.
