Cody Gakpo will remain a Liverpool player after the club rejected Manchester City's late attempt to sign the Dutch forward.
Manchester City had made a major move for the 27-year-old, submitting an offer worth around £80 million. The proposal reportedly consisted of £75 million upfront and a further £5 million in potential add-ons.
The transfer appeared to be moving quickly after Gakpo was linked with a move away from Anfield. Manchester City had identified the Liverpool forward as a major attacking target as they looked to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline.
Liverpool ultimately decided against allowing the deal to go through.
A key factor was the difficulty of finding an adequate replacement for Gakpo with the transfer window approaching its deadline. Liverpool had already completed the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, but the club still wanted to maintain sufficient depth in attack.
Reports also indicate that Gakpo had been open to the possibility of joining Manchester City. Despite the player's reported interest, Liverpool's decision to reject the offer means he is now expected to continue at Anfield.
The decision represents a significant change in the transfer story. Earlier reports suggested Gakpo was increasingly likely to leave Liverpool, particularly following Barcola's arrival.
Liverpool have now made their position clear. Gakpo remains part of Andoni Iraola's squad as the Reds prepare for the rest of the season.
Gakpo has already featured prominently for Liverpool at the start of the Premier League campaign. He scored against Newcastle United and provided an assist against Nottingham Forest, showing his continued attacking importance to the team.
For Manchester City, the failed Gakpo pursuit means attention has shifted elsewhere.
City are now focusing on alternative targets, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández among their priorities. The club are also pursuing Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
The collapse of the Gakpo transfer is another major development in what has become a dramatic final stage of the summer transfer window.
For Liverpool supporters, the immediate outcome is clear. Cody Gakpo is staying at Anfield.
