Cody Gakpo will remain at Liverpool after a proposed move to Manchester City collapsed because the Reds have been unable to secure another attacking player.
The Netherlands winger had been closing in on a switch to the Premier League champions before transfer deadline day, with the two clubs discussing a deal worth about £85m.
However, Liverpool are no longer willing to allow Gakpo to leave after failing to complete deals for suitable replacements. They had been pursuing Yankuba Minteh, but Brighton rejected their latest offer, while Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr was also under consideration.
Daily Mail Sport reported earlier on Monday that Gakpo was prepared to stay at Anfield if Liverpool could not sign either Minteh or Sarr.
The 26-year-old started Liverpool’s first two Premier League matches of the season and had been expected to depart despite the club’s £123m signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday.
Liverpool reached an agreement with PSG last week after several weeks of negotiations aimed at reducing the French club’s initial valuation of £145m. Barcola, 23, has joined the European champions on a five-year contract.
Despite completing that major signing, Liverpool have made it clear that Gakpo will not be allowed to join Manchester City until another attacker is brought to the club.
The developments come a day after Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk publicly encouraged his team-mate to remain at Anfield.
Van Dijk was asked about Gakpo’s possible move following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. He said: ‘What do you think? He’s a quality player. I think we should keep quality players.
‘Let’s see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he’s a quality player but also because he’s a friend of mine. He’s very important to us.’
The Liverpool captain also welcomed the arrival of Barcola, who completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain after the clubs agreed a fee of £123m.
‘He’s a good player, that’s the only thing I can say. I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players.
‘This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we’re going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don’t.
‘He’s a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms.’
Gakpo’s proposed transfer had been one of the significant deals being discussed ahead of deadline day, but Liverpool’s difficulty in finding a replacement has now changed the situation.
The club’s decision means the Dutch international will continue at Liverpool, where he began the season as part of the first-team attack. Manchester City will now have to look elsewhere for an addition to their forward options.
