Liverpool transfer news centres on a Football Insider report that says Liverpool rejected an £80m approach from Manchester City for their 27-year-old forward Cody Gakpo, who had been open to a move on deadline day. Pete O’Rourke reported that City tested Liverpool’s resolve while Tottenham held talks. The player has accepted his decision, remains committed to the squad and is expected to keep his conduct professional, despite the drama.
His contract runs until 2030, giving Liverpool little reason to force a sale, while manager Andoni Iraola values his ability to play across the front line. Liverpool’s stance leaves the forward at Anfield after significant summer interest. Football Insider supplied the report. That outcome keeps an attacker available for Iraola’s months.
Liverpool transfer news: Why keeping the £80m target makes sense
Liverpool faced a tricky call, yet the football case for keeping their forward looks stronger than the financial temptation of £80m. Last season, he produced 16 goals and 10 assists in 53 appearances, giving Iraola evidence that he can contribute this season. He had one goal and one assist in three league games before Friday’s 2-0 win at Ipswich, when he added two assists, according to Liverpool’s latest match coverage.
Liverpool transfer news matters here because Iraola needs players who can solve several problems without major changes. Gakpo can operate from the left, attack centrally and cover the right, so losing him on deadline day would have removed a valuable option as the new coach shaped his first squad. Iraola himself said before Ipswich that he was very happy to keep him and described him as a very valuable player, while noting that they had spoken throughout the transfer period.
Liverpool transfer news: Manchester City interest may return
City’s late approach shows Gakpo’s market value, but it doesn’t mean Liverpool made a bad financial decision by saying no. Deadline day leaves almost no room to replace a proven attacker, and Liverpool had committed to a squad rebuild under Iraola. Keith Wyness has warned that interest could return in January 2027, with City and Tottenham still keen, so the issue may have shifted rather than disappeared.
Read: Liverpool Transfer Window Review – Summer 2026
Liverpool can now focus on Gakpo’s football rather than noise. His new contract reflects that long-term commitment, and his strong start gives Iraola another reason to use him. Liverpool’s decision makes sense: £80m sounds enormous, but replacing goals, assists, and three-position cover in January could cost far more, particularly if rivals know the club needs a replacement. For now.
