Liverpool have turned down an £85 million offer from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo, a clear signal that the Merseyside club has no intention of letting the forward go without a fight. The bid, which would have made Gakpo one of the most expensive Dutch players in history, was rejected outright.
The Rejected Offer
Manchester City's £85 million proposal arrived earlier this week, according to the clubs involved. Liverpool's response was swift and firm: no. The rejection means Gakpo stays put for now, but it also sets the stage for what could become one of the summer's most drawn-out transfer sagas.
The bid itself is substantial. £85 million would have represented a significant profit on the fee Liverpool paid PSV Eindhoven for Gakpo in January 2023. But Liverpool's decision to refuse it suggests they value the 25-year-old far higher than that figure, or that they simply don't want to sell at any price.
Gakpo's Role at Anfield
Gakpo has become a regular starter under Liverpool's management, often deployed on the left wing or through the middle. His ability to drift into pockets of space and link up with teammates has made him a key part of the attacking setup. Losing him now would leave a gap in a squad already dealing with fixture congestion and the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
Liverpool's rejection also sends a message about their ambitions. They're not in the business of selling key players to direct rivals, especially not for a fee that might be considered below market value in today's inflated market. The club has a history of holding firm on valuations, and this appears to be another instance of that approach.
What City Might Do Next
Manchester City now face a choice. They can come back with an improved offer, perhaps pushing toward £100 million or beyond, or they can shift their attention to other targets. City have the financial muscle to make a second bid, but Liverpool's stance suggests they'd need to go significantly higher to even get a conversation started.
There's also the player's own situation to consider. Gakpo hasn't publicly asked for a move, and there's no indication he's pushing to leave. That works in Liverpool's favor. If a player is content and the club doesn't want to sell, the buying side has to overpay to force the issue.
The next move is now with Manchester City. They'll have to decide whether to test Liverpool's resolve with a bigger offer or walk away and look elsewhere. For now, Gakpo remains a Liverpool player, and the ball is firmly in City's court.
