City crash the Gakpo party as Spurs lurk — Liverpool weigh their next move

Now this would rattle a few cages. Manchester City have muscled into the chase for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, with Tottenham refusing to go quietly. In a market that’s already bonkers, this is a proper tug-of-war between two clubs eyeing the same prize — and Liverpool holding the cards.

City make their move

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, City are pressing to land Gakpo as Enzo Maresca looks to put his stamp on the champions’ forward line. It’s not every day you see City and Liverpool talk shop over the same player, but modern football has a way of chucking tradition out the window when the right talent is in play.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City opened talks with Gakpo’s camp on Monday, while Tottenham have also been in contact — the starting gun on a full-blooded Premier League bidding battle.

Spurs won’t blink

Tottenham, for their part, are understood to have flagged to Liverpool that a formal offer could be incoming. Ange Postecoglou wants more end product across the front line and Gakpo’s versatility — able to lead the line or drift in from the left — ticks a lot of boxes. Don’t expect Spurs to fade if City turn the screw; they fancy this.

Liverpool’s hand — stay or sell?

Liverpool won’t be rushed. Gakpo has already made a telling start to the campaign, grabbing a crucial strike against Newcastle on opening day. The Reds have been linked with Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola, and any green light on Gakpo will likely depend on whether fresh firepower walks through the door first.

The numbers behind the noise

Since arriving at Anfield, Gakpo’s output has climbed then steadied: 10 goal contributions in 2022/23 (7 goals, 3 assists), 23 in 2023/24 (16, 7), 25 in 2024/25 (18, 7), and 15 in 2025/26 so far (9, 6). That’s a profile of a reliable, system-friendly attacker who can heat up in streaks.

Why City — and why now?

Maresca’s blueprint prizes intelligent movement and quick combinations around the box. Gakpo’s calm finishing and comfort receiving between the lines make him a plug-and-play option for City’s rotation-heavy attack. If Liverpool entertain bids, City will want to steal a march before continental giants poke their noses in.

The wider market picture

Spurs are hardly alone in shopping for final-third punch, while Newcastle, interestingly, are focused on midfield this window — another sign that genuine wide-forward options are scarce and pricey. That scarcity only inflates Gakpo’s value to both City and Tottenham.

What happens next

Simple: Liverpool decide whether squad balance trumps the fee. If the Reds land a forward target, the door creaks open. If not, expect them to hold the line. Until then, City and Spurs will keep the phones warm and the numbers moving.

If you’re weighing where the smart money lands in a saga like this, our guide to the best betting sites is a handy companion while the market shifts.