Cody Gakpo has quickly emerged as one of the names most heavily linked with Tottenham over the past few days, but how realistic is a deal and where do all parties currently stand?
Just hours after Roberto De Zerbi revealed that another “bomba” was still to come this summer as Tottenham continue searching for attacking reinforcements, Cody Gakpo’s name reappeared prominently in the rumour mill.
The Liverpool forward has even been described as the “leading contender” among Tottenham’s attacking targets by Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe.
Gakpo had already been linked with Spurs earlier in the transfer window, although those reports never appeared as advanced as Tottenham’s pursuit of Eli Kroupi Jr. With Spurs now having cooled their interest in the Bournemouth forward, attention has naturally shifted back towards the Liverpool man.
Around a month ago, Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs reported that Liverpool had not “opened the doors” to Gakpo’s departure, and the Dutch international had also given no indication that he wanted to leave Anfield, even if Spurs were considered his most ‘concrete suitors’ back then.
However, developments over the past week suggest the situation may no longer be quite so straightforward.
Where Tottenham stand in the race for Cody Gakpo
TEAMtalk recently reported that Tottenham have made enquiries over Gakpo’s availability and have already held ‘positive discussions’ with his representatives. The 27-year-old is believed to be open to the move amid uncertainty over his starting role under Andoni Iraola.
However, the same report states that Spurs received little encouragement from the Reds, who are currently planning for the new season with Gakpo as part of Iraola’s squad.
The Daily Mail have backed that stance, reporting that Liverpool have no desire to sell despite Tottenham making their interest known. Even Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that the Dutchman is ‘not on Liverpool’s exit list’.
There is, however, another side to the story, with several sources suggesting Liverpool could sell the Dutch International, but only at their ‘premium’ asking price.
And that figure is believed to be £72m, with Liverpool reportedly using Anthony Gordon’s €80m (£69.3m) move to Barcelona as a benchmark, believing Gakpo deserves an even higher valuation due to his greater experience and proven record.
Considering Liverpool paid between £35m and £45m to sign him in 2022 and still have him under contract until 2030, they are in no rush to lower their demands and are ‘relaxed’ about the situation.
What Bradley Barcola’s £145m arrival could mean for Cody Gakpo
Since Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot, the Reds have been linked with several explosive wide players following Mohamed Salah’s high-profile departure, with Bradley Barcola emerging as the club’s dream target.
A deal for the France international would not come cheap, with PSG believed to value the back-to-back Champions League winner at £145m, but Liverpool have no intention of overpaying.
Flashscore recently suggested that even if Barcola were to arrive at Anfield, it would not automatically change Gakpo’s future. That may well be Liverpool’s stance, but it is difficult to imagine another elite left winger arriving without affecting the Dutchman’s role in some way.
After all, Gakpo is already facing increased competition under Iraola, and another major signing in his position would only make it harder for him to secure regular starts.
Liverpool are expected to add at least one quality winger before the window closes, so it remains to be seen whether the arrival of Barcola or another high-profile wide player would really affect Tottenham’s chances of signing Gakpo.
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