Manchester City supporters have made their feelings very clear after reports emerged that the club has entered the race to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.
The reaction from City fans on X was overwhelmingly one of surprise, confusion and frustration. While a handful of supporters appeared amused by the development, many questioned why the club was pursuing Gakpo and whether the move made sense in the context of Manchester City’s wider transfer business.
The strongest reaction came from fans who simply could not believe the news.
One supporter responded: “STOP”, while another asked: “Why?” Others described the situation as “madness” and questioned whether the reports could actually be genuine.
The response shows just how unexpected the Cody Gakpo transfer link has been for sections of the Manchester City fanbase.
Man City make contact with Cody Gakpo
According to the latest report, Manchester City have made contact with Gakpo’s camp and talks have now started.
The development has created a three-way situation involving City, Tottenham and Liverpool.
Tottenham have already been discussing personal terms with Gakpo, while Manchester City have now entered the picture. Liverpool are reportedly willing to consider a major offer for the Netherlands international, but their decision could depend on whether they can bring in replacements before the transfer window closes.
The report states that Liverpool would consider selling Gakpo for around £70 million, while Tottenham have already had an approach rejected.
For City, Gakpo could potentially provide additional attacking depth following Savinho’s departure. There is also the short-term issue of Jeremy Doku’s injury, which has left Enzo Maresca with fewer options on the wing.
Yet that explanation did little to calm the supporters.
“This can’t be real”
The disbelief was one of the biggest themes across the reactions.
City fan Blueprint simply wrote: “This can’t be real”, with the post receiving significant engagement.
Another supporter posted: “I no understand abeg”, perfectly capturing the confusion surrounding the reported move.
Others used nothing more than crying or laughing emojis.
There was also a simple “WTF”, another fan wrote “Wtf is this!?”, while another responded with “dude.”
These reactions may look brief, but they underline the immediate shock among supporters.
Gakpo is hardly an unknown player. The Dutch forward has established himself as an important attacking player at Liverpool and has experience playing on the left, through the middle and in other attacking roles.
However, the question for many City supporters is not necessarily whether Gakpo is talented.
It is whether Manchester City need him.
“F**k off hes shite”
Not every reaction was simply confusion.
Some supporters were much more critical of the potential signing.
One fan delivered a blunt assessment: “F**k off hes shite.”
That reaction highlights a wider disagreement among supporters about Gakpo’s suitability for Manchester City.
Although the Liverpool forward has produced strong moments at club and international level, some City fans clearly do not view him as the elite attacking addition they expected the club to pursue.
For those supporters, the reported interest feels underwhelming.
Manchester City have traditionally been associated with signing players who can immediately compete for starting positions. If Gakpo is viewed primarily as a squad player, as the report suggests, fans may wonder whether spending a substantial fee on him represents the best use of the club’s resources.
The Savinho comparison is already causing anger
Perhaps the most significant criticism came from supporters connecting the Gakpo story with Manchester City’s recent transfer activity.
One particularly frustrated fan wrote:
“We sold savinho only to buy that bum Gakpo?? Not to mention about the absurd sale of Trafford and NicoG Our management has lost their minds.”
That comment brings together several issues currently frustrating parts of the City fanbase.
Savinho’s move to Tottenham has already attracted plenty of attention, and the possibility of Gakpo arriving as an attacking replacement has naturally encouraged comparisons.
The question being asked is simple: if City were prepared to let Savinho leave, why bring in Gakpo instead?
Of course, the two players are different profiles and transfer decisions are rarely that straightforward. But supporters are judging the move based on what they see happening to the squad.
For some, it looks like Manchester City could be selling younger players and replacing them with more established names.
That is why the Gakpo story has generated such an emotional response.
“£116M for you”
Another supporter reacted by writing: “£116M for you.”
The comment appears to reflect the frustration surrounding City’s spending and the changing transfer market.
Manchester City’s supporters have become accustomed to seeing huge fees attached to players, particularly in a market where elite attacking talent can command extraordinary valuations.
That means any potential Gakpo deal will inevitably be judged against other City transfers.
The reported interest also comes during a period of major change at the Etihad.
Enzo Maresca is now leading the team after succeeding Pep Guardiola in June 2026. The new manager is therefore overseeing a squad that is beginning to take on a different shape.
That makes every transfer decision more significant.
Is Cody Gakpo actually the right fit for Maresca?
This is where the debate could become more interesting if the interest develops into a serious transfer.
Gakpo offers versatility. He can operate from the left, play centrally and contribute as a forward who can link play.
That flexibility could appeal to Maresca.
The report also suggests that Tottenham can offer Gakpo a more prominent role, while City could view him more as a squad option.
That could become decisive.
A player approaching his prime may want assurances about playing time. Tottenham have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the player, giving them a head start in the race.
City, meanwhile, would have to convince Gakpo that competing for trophies and a place in Maresca’s side is preferable to a guaranteed leading role elsewhere.
Fans are questioning City’s transfer strategy
The reaction also reflects something bigger than Cody Gakpo.
Supporters appear to be questioning the overall direction of Manchester City’s transfer strategy.
The short responses — “Why?”, “STOP”, “madness”, “Omgggg”, and “Are you f**king kidding me” — demonstrate how quickly the news triggered frustration.
Some fans simply want the club to pursue a different profile of player.
Others appear concerned about squad planning and the departures that have already taken place.
And then there are supporters who are simply waiting for more information before making a judgement.
Importantly, contact with Gakpo’s representatives does not mean that a transfer is close. The latest information indicates that talks have started, while Tottenham remain active and the player’s decision will also depend on Liverpool’s plans.
So there is still plenty that could change.
Man City fans have delivered their verdict — for now
The most striking thing about the reaction is that supporters have reached an emotional verdict before Manchester City have even made a formal offer.
The dominant mood is disbelief.
Some fans think Gakpo would be a poor signing. Others are questioning the logic of replacing Savinho with another attacker. A smaller group may simply be shocked that City have entered a race that appeared to belong to Tottenham.
For now, though, the transfer remains at the discussion stage.
Manchester City have made contact with Cody Gakpo’s camp, and talks are underway. Tottenham remain involved, while Liverpool’s recruitment plans could ultimately determine whether the Dutchman is allowed to leave.
What happens next could therefore be fascinating.
If City eventually sign Gakpo, those angry reactions will quickly be revisited. If Tottenham win the race, some supporters may breathe a sigh of relief.
But based on the initial response to the news, Manchester City fans certainly did not expect Cody Gakpo to become one of the club’s headline transfer targets.
And for now, their message could hardly be clearer:
“STOP.”
