Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has revealed that the club ultimately decided to prioritise signing Enzo over making a last-minute attempt to bring in Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo before the summer transfer window closed.

According to reports, Manchester City unexpectedly explored the possibility of signing Gakpo in the final stages of the transfer window, but Liverpool valued the Netherlands international at as much as £85 million. The Reds were also considering strengthening their attacking options at the time, but eventually decided to keep Gakpo at Anfield.

Aguero believes Manchester City’s decision was influenced by their months-long pursuit of Enzo, who eventually joined the club for a record fee of £125 million.

Aguero said: “Keeping good players is always a positive thing. Sometimes players feel uncomfortable at a club, under a coach, or in a certain position, and they start thinking about leaving.”

Aguero believes Liverpool made the right decision by keeping Gakpo, especially if the player is happy with his situation.

Aguero added: “But if Gakpo is happy with the coach and understands the coach’s tactical ideas, then keeping him is very important. Liverpool are a very difficult opponent to face, especially at Anfield.”

Aguero then discussed Manchester City’s transfer deadline-day decisions, suggesting that the high cost of Enzo’s deal forced the club to choose between two players.

Aguero said: “Keeping players like Gakpo is good for a club. I think Manchester City waited until the final moment for Enzo. His transfer fee was extremely high, so a decision had to be made.

“I believe it was a situation where we had to choose between the two. In the end, we chose Enzo.”

Aguero also spoke about Liverpool’s new signing Barcola, whose reported transfer fee was as high as £123 million.

Aguero said: “The Premier League is not easy, but he has the qualities to become a top player. In fact, he is already a good player. What I mean is that he has the potential to become one of the best players in the Premier League.”

The former Manchester City striker believes Barcola has the ability to adapt and succeed in England, but he also pointed out that Liverpool’s position in the league table and their title ambitions could affect the forward’s performances.

Aguero said: “He has the qualities required. A lot will depend on Liverpool’s position in the table and whether they are competing for the title. That is very important because the pressure will be higher.

“But he is a great player, there is no doubt about that.”