Cody Gakpo was close to joining Manchester City during the recent transfer window, with the rival club willing to pay over £80 million for the Liverpool winger. However, Liverpool ultimately blocked the transfer, opting to keep the player and reinvest in other areas.
Sources indicate that Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca identified Gakpo as a target who could play as a wide attacker and a backup center-forward. The club also considered signing Iliman Ndiaye, who was eventually signed by City after Liverpool's decision to retain Gakpo. Tottenham Hotspur also showed interest, but Gakpo and his representatives had reportedly agreed to join City.
Liverpool's recruitment team reportedly considered whether potential signings like Yankuba Minteh or Ismaila Sarr would be an upgrade on Gakpo, who signed a five-year contract in August 2025. The club also factored in the significant turnover of wingers if they were to acquire new players after signing Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz.
The decision to keep Gakpo appears to be vindicated by his recent form. The 27-year-old has started the current season strongly, a marked improvement from the inconsistency shown in the 2025-26 season. He has contributed directly to four goals this term, the joint-most in the Premier League, with two assists in Liverpool's recent 2-0 victory over Ipswich. His link-up play with teammates has been highlighted as a key factor in the team's attacking success, to the point where the performance of marquee signing Bradley Barcola on the bench was questioned.
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly a significant admirer of Gakpo, valuing his work both with and without the ball, particularly his role in the team's intense pressing strategies. Iraola and Gakpo reportedly held daily discussions during the transfer window, fostering an open environment. The manager praised Gakpo's professionalism, noting his consistent 100% effort in training despite the transfer speculation.
Gakpo is also described as an exemplary personality behind the scenes, respected by teammates and not prone to causing fuss. He is considered a key member of the dressing room, possessing a well-rounded and likeable personality.
This period of strong form follows a difficult summer for Gakpo, during which he and his partner lost their son, Elijah, during pregnancy. He remained in the United States during this time and represented the Netherlands at the World Cup, scoring three goals and starting in all their matches before their elimination in the round of 32. His resilience has been noted, with captain Virgil van Dijk among those who rallied around him.
Iraola stated that Gakpo is in a good place physically and mentally, calling him a very valuable player for the team. Gakpo's versatility is also seen as a key asset, with the ability to play centrally, on the wings, and even in midfield, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined by injury. His past managers at Liverpool, including Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, also reportedly held him in high regard.
Gakpo joined Liverpool in January 2023 for £44 million. Prior to that, his career path included a near-transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2022, which did not materialize. He has spoken previously about leaving his future to chance, relying on spiritual guidance, and a notable instance where a hat-trick in a PSV Eindhoven match led him to stay with the club until his move to Liverpool six months later.