Cody Gakpo engaged with Liverpool's management after a potential move to Manchester City was blocked at the end of the transfer window. The 27-year-old Dutchman had indicated openness to leaving the Reds, as City had intensified their interest in the final hours of the market. Liverpool ultimately refused to sanction his departure.

City finalise Ndiaye's arrival, Liverpool miss out on Gakpo With the transfer window now closed, Gakpo is expected to remain a key figure in Andoni Iraola’s squad and will need to refocus quickly on the upcoming season. According to *Eindhovens Dagblad*, the player met with Liverpool officials after the club blocked his move to Manchester City. The 27-year-old midfielder reportedly reached a personal agreement with City, but the Reds were unwilling to sell him without first securing an offensive replacement. Liverpool had explored options in Yankuba Minteh, Brighton’s winger, and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace, but neither negotiation reached a stage where the Merseysiders felt confident enough to allow Gakpo to leave. *This Is Anfield* reports that discussions between the Dutchman and the club’s owners were constructive and partly aimed at “clarifying the situation” following the collapse of a deal reportedly worth £80 million. The striker has since returned to training and is expected to be available for Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Ipswich Town this Friday.

A logical tactical choice for Liverpool, despite Gakpo’s disappointment

The Reds’ decision makes sporting sense, even if Gakpo is inevitably disappointed. Selling him after failing to sign Minteh or Sarr would have left Iraola dangerously short of established wing options, particularly after Mohamed Salah’s departure. Liverpool did sign Bradley Barcola from PSG, but the French international naturally occupies the left flank, the same area where Gakpo excels. This overlap may have influenced the Dutchman’s attraction to City’s offer. Liverpool now faces a challenge that is as much psychological as tactical. Gakpo knows the club was willing to discuss his future, and he was clearly drawn to the prospect of joining City. Both sides must now move on quickly. For Iraola, keeping a proven Premier League attacker with Gakpo’s versatility is a positive outcome. The Dutchman can play on either flank or as a striker and remains a top offensive threat.

Gakpo must feel indispensable, not just a Plan B

It now falls to Liverpool to ensure Gakpo feels valued, rather than keeping him by default out of necessity. The player, courted by Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, is now estimated to be worth over €100 million in the event of a future sale. Sunderland faces contract talks after rejecting Isidor interest reminds clubs of the need to carefully manage expectations of their key players following failed transfers. For now, Gakpo must focus on his season with Liverpool, where his profile could prove even more valuable if Barcola struggles to establish himself on the left flank. The Reds have avoided a tactical misstep by retaining their international, but time is of the essence to show they rely on him. The ball is in their court to turn this constraint into an opportunity.