Cody Gakpo has held “clear-the-air” talks with Liverpool’s owners after the club blocked his proposed £80 million move to Manchester City on deadline day.
The Netherlands international had reportedly agreed personal terms with City and was open to leaving Anfield, but Liverpool rejected an offer worth an initial £75m plus a further £5m in add-ons.
Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad reported that Gakpo spoke with senior figures from Fenway Sports Group on Monday after the transfer collapsed. The discussions were described as constructive and were held partly to repair relations following the failed move.
Cody Gakpo expected to stay at Liverpool
Liverpool’s decision was understood to have been driven by their inability to secure a suitable replacement before the transfer window closed. The club explored moves for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, but neither deal advanced sufficiently.
Sky Sports reported that Liverpool were concerned about being left short of attacking options if Gakpo departed, particularly after Mohamed Salah’s exit. The arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain had also raised questions over Gakpo’s position in the squad, with both players most comfortable operating from the left.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Gakpo has returned to training with Liverpool. He was pictured taking part in a gym session at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday and appeared to be in good spirits.
The 27-year-old is now expected to remain with Andoni Iraola’s squad for the rest of the season and could feature in Friday’s Premier League trip to Ipswich Town.
Gakpo’s versatility remains valuable to Liverpool, with the forward capable of playing on either flank or through the middle. The immediate priority for the club will be to ensure he feels central to their plans after coming so close to joining a domestic rival.
