Cody Gakpo transfer latest: Tottenham step up efforts for Liverpool forward

While most Liverpool fans are more concerned with which attackers they will sign this summer, could a key one actually depart?

News is moving slowly, frustratingly so for many supporters, on Bradley Barcola's proposed move from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool have reportedly made an opening offer of around £80 million, with les Rouge-et-Bleu holding out for closer to £145 million, but this does feel like a move that will happen eventual, even if all parties may be forced to wait.

While the Reds target a new left-sided attacker, could the current occupant of that spot on the pitch be heading for the exits door? As has been widely reported by Sky Sports and others, Tottenham Hotspur remain "interested" in signing Cody Gakpo.

They add that Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi is to determined to sign at least one new attacker this month, having already reinforced the Lilywhites' defence and midfield. Tottenham are currently without Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons, all due to long-term injuries.

However, they add that Liverpool "would not be willing" to sell Gakpo unless a replacement can be signed, not including Barcola, and that the Dutch international "would not come cheaply", considering he is under contract until 2030.

However, Graeme Bailey of Team Talk claims that, following "positive discussions", the 27 year old "is open to making the move". So, could Gakpo's three and a half years stay at Anfield be about to come to an end?

How much would Tottenham have to pay for Cody Gakpo?

It has been widely reported that Liverpool believe Gakpo to be worth at least £72 million. The Reds' are using Anthony Gordon's move from Newcastle United to Barcelona, which occurred earlier in this transfer window, as a benchmark.

Well, based on their summer spending spree so far, this might be a valuation Spurs are willing to meet. Following back-to-back 17th place finishes, Tottenham are spending big as they seek to avoid another relegation battle.

They have already recruited Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million, Mateus Fernandes for £85 million and Sandro Tonali for £100 million, as well as bringing in Marcos Senesi, Martin Dúbravka and Liverpool's own Andy Robertson as free agents.

All six have Premier League expirence, something Johan Lang and Vinai Venkatesham are seemingly prioritising.

As already alluded to, these six players only really strengthen the defensive half of De Zerbi's team, hence the need for a new attacker or two. Well, it is easy to understand why they are interested in Gakpo. He has scored four times against Tottenham to date, most famously doing so during the 5-1 victory that crowned Arne Slot's side champions in April 2025.

Gakpo has only bagged more career goals against Go Ahead Eagles, RKC Waalwijk, Manchester United and West Ham United, but could the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium soon be his home?

Why Liverpool cannot afford to sell Cody Gakpo

Assuming Barcola does arrive, Andoni Iraola will have plenty of options to start on the left side of attack. Alongside Barcola and Gakpo, that is also the preferred position of 17 year old sensation Rio Ngumoha, who started two of three pre-season matches in the U.S. there, as well as new recruit Víctor Muñoz. The Spanish World Cup winner will meet his new team mates for the first time at AXA Training Centre later this week.

Thus, this may suggest that Gakpo is surplus to requirements meaning, if a huge offer does arrive, they would be shrewd to take it. However, the Dutchman's versatility is surely something Iraola cannot be without. Right now, following Mohamed Salah's departure, it is a gigantic question mark as to whom will be the Reds' starting right-winger. Kieran Morrison and Joshua Abe, two youngsters, have been deployed there in pre-season, but that is unlikely to continue at St James' Park once the Premier League gets underway.

Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott are both imperfect options so, despite having very rarely been used on the right, could Gakpo fill that spot? The 27 year old does have more expirence of being used centrally, and may be asked to do more of that going forward.

With Hugo Ekitkié likely to miss the entire campaign due to a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in April, the only current back-up centre-forward behind Alexander Isak is 18 year old Will Wright, who is yet to make his senior debut.

Thus, despite seemingly being about to relinquish his status as first-choice left winger, Liverpool currently, plain and simply, not boast enough depth to be without Gakpo. That could of course change. There are still four weeks remaining of this transfer window but, based on how slowly the Reds have operated thus far, they're surely safer holding onto what they already have.

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