Cody Gakpo wants to leave Liverpool to join Man City

Cody Gakpo wants to leave Liverpool to join Man City Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has reportedly decided he wants to leave Anfield and join Manchester City (h/t David Ornstein ). The Reds and the Citizens are now negotiating a deal. The Netherlands international has made Manchester City his preferred destination after turning down the chance to move to Tottenham Hotspur. Gakpo’s decision is a major development that could birth one of the summer’s most surprising transfers. The 27-year-old only signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool in August 2025, but his situation appears to have changed. The forward enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season as Liverpool won the Premier League title, scoring 18 goals and registering seven assists across 49 appearances. However, his form dipped last season, particularly after the turn of the year, when he managed just three league goals despite featuring in every Premier League fixture. Gakpo reminded the world of his quality at this summer’s World Cup, scoring three goals in four appearances for the Netherlands before their last-32 elimination by Morocco on penalties. He has started the campaign brilliantly under new boss Andoni Iraola and has arguably been their best attacker. He scored in the Premier League opener against Newcastle United and delivered a stellar assist for Alexander Isak’s goal versus Nottingham Forest. He can also deputise at centre-forward, which is important as Isak remains injury-prone and Hugo Ekitike is out for the foreseeable future. Liverpool could be making a massive error by letting one of their most reliable attackers leave. Thankfully, the potential addition of Bradley Barcola will help soften the blow of his departure, although Liverpool need a specialist right-winger on the opposite flank. Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for an initial £37 million in December 2022, with the deal potentially rising to £44m in add-ons. He made an immediate impact, scoring seven times in 21 Premier League appearances during the second half of his debut season. Since arriving at Anfield, Gakpo has registered 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances.