Gary Neville questions reported Manchester City move for Cody Gakpo

Gary Neville has expressed surprise at reports that Liverpool could allow Cody Gakpo to join Manchester City. According to VI, City have entered the picture for the former PSV forward after he had initially appeared to be heading towards Tottenham Hotspur.

Neville understands why City would want Gakpo but is baffled by Liverpool’s reported willingness to cooperate. VI quotes him as saying, “I find it bizarre,” with the former defender describing Gakpo as Liverpool’s best current attacker. He argued that the Dutchman is consistently available for the ball, carries a threat and is regularly involved in goals, making him difficult to replace. Neville also warned against strengthening a direct rival with such an important player.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk made his own position clear after the draw with Nottingham Forest. He said he hopes Gakpo stays, calling him both a valuable player and a good friend. Van Dijk added that Gakpo could remain important for Liverpool, although he acknowledged that the next few days would determine what happens.

Neville was far less positive about Jeremie Frimpong, who, like Gakpo, played 71 minutes against Forest. He questioned whether Liverpool can persist with a four-man defence featuring Frimpong and Milos Kerkez at full-back, arguing that Frimpong lacks natural defensive instincts. Neville also claimed Trent Alexander-Arnold is a stronger defender and doubted whether Frimpong could match his previous creative output of 15 to 20 assists per season.