Cody Gakpo's anticipated transfer from Liverpool to Manchester City has been called off due to Liverpool's struggles in finding a replacement for the Dutch winger. The deal, reportedly valued at approximately £85 million, was nearing completion before the transfer deadline.
Reports indicated that Gakpo was prepared to remain at Liverpool if the club failed to secure deals for desired targets, including Yankuba Minteh, for whom Brighton & Hove Albion rejected Liverpool's latest bid, and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace. Gakpo had featured in Liverpool's opening two Premier League matches this season.
The transfer fell through after Liverpool's efforts to sign a suitable attacking player proved unsuccessful. This comes despite Liverpool securing the services of 23-year-old winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million earlier in the week. Negotiations with PSG for Barcola were protracted, with the French club initially valuing the player at £145 million.
Liverpool's stance is that they will not permit Gakpo to join Manchester City until another attacker is signed. The situation was further highlighted by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's public appeal for Gakpo to stay at Anfield.
"What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players," Van Dijk stated following Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. "Let's see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine. He's very important to us."
Regarding Barcola's arrival, Van Dijk expressed his welcome: "He's a good player, that's the only thing I can say. I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we're going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don't. He's a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms."