Liverpool Reject £80m Manchester City Bid for Cody Gakpo

Liverpool have rejected a substantial £80 million bid from Manchester City for winger Cody Gakpo, according to reports dated 29 August 2026. The Premier League champions were keen to strengthen their squad by acquiring the Dutch forward, but Liverpool have decided to keep hold of their key attacking player.

Gakpo has been an important figure for Liverpool since joining the club, contributing significantly to their offensive play. Jurgen Klopp’s side is focused on maintaining a competitive edge in the Premier League, and retaining Gakpo is part of their strategy to sustain a strong attacking lineup. Manchester City, aiming to bolster their squad as they defend their title, viewed Gakpo as a valuable addition but have now had to reconsider their transfer approach.

Following Liverpool’s refusal, Manchester City have shifted their attention to Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as an alternative target. This move illustrates how top Premier League clubs continuously adjust their transfer plans in response to market developments and the availability of players. The competition for elite talent remains fierce as teams look to enhance their squads for the season’s critical phases.

The decision to reject the £80 million offer underlines Liverpool’s confidence in Gakpo’s role within the team and their commitment to building a squad capable of challenging for major honors. It also highlights the financial scales involved in the Premier League transfer market, where clubs are prepared to make significant investments but also carefully evaluate the value of their players.

Looking ahead, Liverpool will aim to capitalize on Gakpo’s presence as they pursue their season objectives, while Manchester City will continue exploring alternative signings to strengthen their squad depth. The impact of these transfer decisions will be closely monitored as the Premier League season progresses.

For more details, visit the original report on Sky Sports.