Manchester United's Interest in Cody Gakpo: A Potential Move from Liverpool

Manchester United’s long-standing admiration for Cody Gakpo has resurfaced, with the Liverpool forward once again linked to a stunning switch across one of English football’s fiercest divides.

The interest is not new. United pushed hard for Gakpo when he was tearing up the Eredivisie with PSV in 2022, urged on by then-manager Erik ten Hag, only to see Liverpool move faster and close a £35 million deal that December. Since then, the Dutchman has lived life on the other side of the rivalry, but Old Trafford’s gaze has never entirely drifted.

Gakpo’s Liverpool story has not followed a straight upward line. Domestically, last season fell short of expectations. He finished with nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances, a sharp drop from the 18 goals and seven assists he produced in 49 games the previous campaign. For a player recruited to add incision and end product in the final third, those numbers invite scrutiny.

On the biggest stage, though, he reminded everyone what he can be. At the World Cup, Gakpo was one of the Netherlands’ standout performers, scoring three goals and supplying one assist in four matches before their shock round-of-32 exit to Morocco. While Liverpool waited for consistency, the national team saw the ruthless, decisive version of the 27-year-old.

That contrast feeds into the current tension around his future. Liverpool need more from him next season, potentially in a slightly different role. With Alexander Isak requiring support through the middle and Hugo Ekitike sidelined until at least January after rupturing his Achilles, Gakpo’s versatility across the front line suddenly looks more valuable. He may be asked to operate centrally more often, to carry a heavier load in front of goal.

Yet the transfer market refuses to look away. Tottenham Hotspur have placed Gakpo on their winger shortlist, and the idea of United entering the race refuses to die down.

Speaking to The United Stand, reporter Ben Jacobs underlined both the depth of United’s admiration and the difficulty of any deal between the two rivals.

“He has always been somewhat appreciated, but we know that Man Utd and Liverpool just don’t really do business,” Jacobs said. “So, whether or not that could possibly get off the ground, I’m not so sure.

“There are denials, despite recent reports in the Netherlands, that Gakpo has asked in any way, shape, or form to leave.

“So, Liverpool are quite calm about the situation, but Tottenham might consider that deal. And all we can say is Man Utd loved Gakpo before he joined Liverpool.

“If Gakpo specifically asks to leave Liverpool, then let’s see whether Premier League clubs come forward. And it seems like Tottenham are the most concrete suitor.”

That last line matters. For all the noise around United, Spurs currently look the more realistic destination if Gakpo does push for a move. They are actively assessing wide options, with the Liverpool man considered alongside Rafael Leao, Savinho and Antonio Nusa as they look to sharpen their attacking edge.

United’s role, at this stage, is more that of a lurking presence than a live bidder. The club have monitored Gakpo ever since missing out on him to Liverpool, and the admiration within Old Trafford’s corridors has not faded. But the reality of the market is harsh: Liverpool are not actively trying to sell, and any conversation would start at around £70m.

That figure reflects both his age and his ceiling. A 27-year-old international forward with proven output in the Premier League and on the world stage is not leaving cheaply, especially not when the selling club expects him to “step up” in the coming campaign.

Liverpool, for now, can afford to be calm. There are no indications from inside Anfield that Gakpo has formally asked to go, and denials from their side suggest they are planning with him, not without him.

Tottenham, though, are watching closely. So are United, from a little further back, waiting to see if a player they once tried to build around decides he needs a new stage.

If Gakpo does knock on Liverpool’s door and ask out, the Premier League will discover very quickly just how far its biggest clubs are willing to go to test one of football’s oldest unwritten rules: you don’t strengthen a rival.