Liverpool have turned down a big-money offer from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo and will keep the forward for the 2026/27 season, ending a late transfer push that had looked close to completion.

David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed that City’s bid, understood to be £75m plus £5m in add-ons, was rejected by Liverpool. The clubs then confirmed the decision directly.

Gakpo will remain at Anfield despite agreeing personal terms with City and making them his preferred destination over staying at Liverpool or joining Tottenham.

City have now ended their pursuit of Gakpo and are turning their attention to other targets, including Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández.

Why Liverpool Rejected Manchester City’s Offer For Gakpo

Liverpool would only sell Gakpo if they secured a replacement winger before the window closed. The club signed Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £106m, rising to £123m with add-ons, on a five-year deal.

Liverpool still wanted another wide player to provide cover on the right. Bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and approaches for Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr did not result in a deal in time, leaving the club without the wide cover needed to let Gakpo leave.

With no replacement secured, Liverpool rejected City’s offer and decided to keep the 27-year-old Netherlands international, leaving the transfer on ice.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had publicly said he wanted Gakpo to stay, describing him as an important player for the team.

What Gakpo’s Decision Means For Liverpool And Manchester City

Keeping Gakpo gives Liverpool a versatile forward who has scored 51 goals and provided 24 assists in 182 appearances across all competitions since joining from PSV in January 2023.

Alongside Barcola, he provides manager Andoni Iraola with multiple elite options on both flanks, allowing for rotation and tactical flexibility across the Premier League and European competitions. Gakpo is under contract at Anfield until 2030.

Meaning Liverpool remains in a strong position if City or another club renews their interest.

For Manchester City, failing to sign Gakpo leaves them without the additional forward they had targeted late in the window. City will now have to look elsewhere if they want to add another attacker.