Report: Liverpool set to take massive risk with forward set to depart

Report: Liverpool set to take massive risk with forward set to depart Man City Open Cody Gakpo Talks as Liverpool Face Huge Transfer Call Manchester City have opened discussions with Liverpool over Cody Gakpo, in a development that could shape the final days of the transfer window. According to BBC Football, City made formal contact on Saturday evening, with the Netherlands forward now emerging as one of the market’s most significant late storylines. The key detail is that Gakpo has drawn “concrete interest from City and Tottenham Hotspur”, while sources suggest “City is Gakpo’s preferred destination if he leaves Anfield before Tuesday’s deadline.” That places Liverpool in an awkward position, particularly so late in the window and with squad planning already shifting. Photo: IMAGO Cody Gakpo transfer talks gather pace Gakpo’s future appears directly linked to Liverpool’s wider attacking reshuffle. The club have already “agreed to sign Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal worth up to £123m”, a fee that underlines the scale of the planned rebuild in forward areas. Yet Liverpool’s stance remains cautious. It is understood they “would prefer to sign another forward before sanctioning Gakpo’s exit this summer.” That caveat matters. Liverpool are credited with interest in Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, which suggests movement in one direction may depend on movement in another. This is the familiar late-window balancing act, with clubs trying to protect depth while remaining open to major offers. Liverpool transfer stance shaped by timing From Liverpool’s perspective, Gakpo remains valuable. He is viewed internally as “a proven multi-functional Premier League attacker” and that assessment is backed by output. Since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, he has scored 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances. He also assisted Alexander Isak in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest after scoring in the opening-week draw at Newcastle. At the same time, the competitive picture has changed. With the signing of Barcola, the arrival of Victor Munoz and “the emergence of Rio Ngumoha”, Gakpo will know opportunities could narrow. As reported, “he may not be first choice any more”, and “if a move does happen it would not come as a surprise.” Man City and Liverpool weigh risk and value There is also a strong financial angle. BBC Football reports that “it will be a great outcome for Liverpool if they agree a deal for about £85m” after signing him for £35m from PSV Eindhoven. On paper, that is smart business. In practical football terms, it is more complicated. The warning attached to this situation is clear, Liverpool “would be taking a massive risk letting Gakpo leave.” With Hugo Ekitike sidelined until 2027 and ongoing concerns around Isak’s fitness record, reducing proven attacking depth would be a bold call. Liverpool can still entertain a major sale, but only if replacements arrive and only if the squad remains balanced for the months ahead. Our View As a confused Liverpool supporter, this feels like one of those stories that makes sense financially and leaves you uneasy football-wise. If City really want Gakpo and Liverpool can get around £85m, you understand why the club would listen. That is a huge uplift on the original £35m fee, and in a modern market those margins matter. But there is another side to it. Gakpo has become one of those players supporters trust because he can do several jobs, deliver goals, and rarely looks fazed by big moments. When the source says Liverpool see him as “a proven multi-functional Premier League attacker”, that rings true. Those players are hard to replace, especially in the final days of a window. The really worrying part is the timing. Barcola may be arriving, Ngumoha is exciting, and Victor Munoz adds depth, but none of that automatically guarantees reliability across a full season. If the club then lose Gakpo while already managing concerns around Ekitike and Isak, supporters will naturally ask who carries the burden when fixtures pile up. There is also the uncomfortable thought of strengthening Manchester City directly. Selling to a rival always feels dangerous, especially when the player is settled in the league and entering what should be prime years. From a supporter’s point of view, this only feels acceptable if Liverpool already know the next forward is coming in and can genuinely raise the level. Otherwise, it feels like a gamble that could become painfully obvious by October. Source: BBC Football