Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo future hinges on late-window recruitment plans

Liverpool will consider allowing Cody Gakpo to leave for Manchester City or Tottenham only if they sign two wingers before the summer transfer window closes, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Manchester City have made direct contact with Gakpo’s representatives and held a meeting to discuss a potential move for the Liverpool forward. Their interest puts them in competition with Tottenham, who already have a verbal agreement with the player over personal terms.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Manchester City made direct contact and held a meeting with Cody Gakpo’s agents. So, what is the situation with the deal?”

He added: “First of all, Tottenham have an agreement with Gakpo over the personal terms of the contract. It has been a verbal agreement since July. This does not mean that the player is asking to leave Liverpool, because he is very happy there, but from Tottenham’s point of view, the financial agreement over the personal terms will be ready if the two clubs reach an agreement.”

Tottenham’s understanding with Gakpo means the framework for a contract is in place, but any transfer still depends on negotiations with Liverpool. Manchester City are now also prepared to compete for the Netherlands international after opening discussions over the figures involved in a possible contract.

“Manchester City have entered the race for Gakpo,” Romano said. “They also held a meeting and started discussing the contract figures, so City are ready to compete with Tottenham for the deal.”

Despite the interest from both Premier League clubs, Liverpool are not expected to approve Gakpo’s departure in the final days of the window unless they strengthen their own wide options.

“But do not forget that Liverpool will not give the green light for Gakpo to leave during the final days of the summer transfer window unless they manage to sign two wingers,” Romano said.

Liverpool’s main target is Bradley Barcola, with that deal still active. The club would then seek to bring in another winger before deciding whether Gakpo can move on.

“The top priority is Bradley Barcola, and this deal is still fully on. Then the Reds will sign another winger,” Romano added. “The club have held discussions in recent days over two bids for Yankuba Minteh and are still speaking to his agent. There are alternatives as well.”

Romano said Liverpool’s transfer strategy could therefore determine Gakpo’s next step rather than the player’s desire to leave. The forward remains happy at Anfield, but the club’s willingness to sanction a transfer will be linked directly to whether replacements arrive.

“Liverpool are working on signing two wingers,” he said. “If two wingers join, Gakpo can move to Manchester City or Tottenham. We will see what happens.”