Cody Gakpo has agreed to join Manchester City from Liverpool, rejecting the chance to move to Tottenham Hotspur. The Netherlands international was a top target for Spurs this summer as part of Roberto De Zerbi's rebuild in north London.
Gakpo chooses City over Spurs
Tottenham had already signed midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes for a combined £185 million, plus attackers Omar Marmoush and Savio from Manchester City. Reports earlier this month said Gakpo was close to a verbal agreement with Spurs.
But The Athletic reports Gakpo has decided against north London and will join City in the coming days. All parties are working on a final agreement, with a fee still to be agreed with Liverpool.
Fee and current form
The Times reports Liverpool want around £85 million, similar to the deal that took Savio from City to Spurs. Gakpo, 27, has started both of Liverpool's Premier League games this season, scoring against Newcastle United and assisting in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Andoni Iraola's side are also close to signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million. The right-footed Frenchman prefers the left wing, where Gakpo has mostly played at Liverpool.
Spurs' poor start and Liverpool's search
News of Gakpo rejecting Tottenham came after Spurs lost 2-0 to Newcastle United on Saturday. They have lost their opening two league games for the first time in 15 years.
Liverpool are still looking for a right winger after offers for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh were rejected, and they are also exploring a move for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr.
