Cody Gakpo Transfer Saga: Manchester City Joins Tottenham Race

Cody Gakpo has become the latest flashpoint in a late-summer tug of war, with Manchester City stepping directly into a race that Tottenham thought they had quietly positioned themselves to win.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that City have now held a face-to-face meeting with the Liverpool forward’s representatives, opening formal talks over a potential move. The Premier League champions are not just asking for information; they have already begun discussing contract figures and are prepared to go head-to-head with Spurs.

Tottenham, though, are not arriving late to this story. According to Romano, they have had a verbal agreement in place with Gakpo over personal terms since July. The framework of a contract is ready on the player’s side, and Spurs are effectively sitting with the green light from the Dutchman if a fee can be agreed with Liverpool.

That does not mean Gakpo is pushing for the exit. Romano stressed that the forward is happy at Anfield and is not actively demanding a transfer. From Tottenham’s perspective, though, the hard work on salary and contract length is already done. If Liverpool open the door, they are ready to walk through it.

City’s arrival changes the temperature of the whole situation. Once Pep Guardiola’s club enter the picture and start talking numbers, the market usually reacts. They have now “entered the race”, as Romano put it, and signalled that they are willing to compete directly with Spurs for the 25-year-old.

The key, however, sits firmly with Liverpool. Romano was clear: the club will not approve Gakpo’s departure in the final days of the window unless they secure two wingers first. No replacements, no sale.

Liverpool’s recruitment plan is already mapped out. Bradley Barcola is described as the “top priority”, with that deal “still fully on”. The intention is not just to land Barcola but to add another winger on top of that before even thinking about giving the green light to Gakpo’s sale.

Talks are active. Romano says Liverpool have held discussions over two offers for Iyenoma Mudryk and remain in contact with his agent, while also keeping alternative options alive in case negotiations stall. Only if those attacking reinforcements arrive will the Gakpo domino be allowed to fall.

So the equation is brutally simple: Tottenham have an understanding with the player, Manchester City are now at the table, but Liverpool hold the only permission slip that matters. Whether they can land Barcola and a second winger in time will decide if this late-window saga explodes into one of the biggest moves of the summer, or fizzles out with Gakpo still in red.