Cody Gakpo has agreed to join Manchester City from Liverpool, rejecting the chance to join Tottenham. The Netherlands international emerged as a top target for Tottenham this summer as part of Roberto De Zerbi’s grand rebuild in north London.
Spurs' summer spending spree
In addition to bringing in midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in for a combined fee of £185million, Spurs have also signed Omar Marmoush and Savio from Manchester City to refresh their attacking options. Reports earlier this month claimed Gakpo was close to reaching a verbal agreement in principle with Tottenham.
De Zerbi this week teased another ‘bomba’ signing would arrive before next week’s transfer deadline day. But The Athletic report Gakpo has decided against a move to north London and has decided to join City in the coming days.
Fee still to be agreed
All parties are now working on a final agreement with a fee still to be agreed with Liverpool. The Times report The Reds are looking for a fee of around £85million – similar to the deal that took Brazilian winger Savio from City to Spurs.
Gakpo, 27, has started both of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season, scoring against Newcastle United last Sunday and providing an excellent assist in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Impact on Liverpool's transfer plans
Andoni Iraola’s side are on the brink of signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £123million. The right-footed Frenchman prefers to play on the left wing where Gakpo has predominately featured during his time on Merseyside.
Liverpool are still on the hunt for a right winger having seen offers rejected for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, also exploring a move for Crystal Palace wideman Ismaila Sarr. News of Gakpo rejecting Tottenham came as the north Londoners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday evening. Spurs have lost their opening two games of the Premier League for the first time in 15 years.
