Tottenham Hotspur are seriously interested in Cody Gakpo. The London club have set aside a substantial budget to sign the Liverpool winger. However, the final decision rests with the Netherlands international.
Tottenham Prepare Major Move for Liverpool Forward Cody Gakpo
Tottenham Hotspur are seriously considering a major summer move for Cody Gakpo, with the Liverpool forward viewed as the player capable of completing Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking structure in north London.
Reports linking the Netherlands international with Spurs have circulated for several months, but the interest has now reportedly become more concrete. Tottenham are understood to have communicated their admiration for the 27-year-old and are prepared to make a substantial financial commitment should he indicate that he is open to leaving Anfield.
Gakpo remains an important member of Liverpool’s squad and is under contract until the summer of 2030. The Merseyside club are therefore under no pressure to sell and would be comfortable keeping him for the new season.
However, Liverpool could reportedly consider negotiations if an offer exceeding €70 million arrives. That valuation places the responsibility largely with Gakpo, whose decision over his future may ultimately determine whether Tottenham proceed with a formal bid.
Spurs See Gakpo as the Missing Piece
Tottenham have been searching for an attacker capable of offering goals, physical presence and tactical flexibility across several positions. Gakpo fits that profile because he can operate from the left wing, through the centre or in a supporting role behind a striker.
Spurs reportedly believe that the Dutch international could become the missing link in a forward line that already contains pace and technical ability but still requires greater consistency in decisive areas.
Gakpo’s arrival would give De Zerbi another player capable of receiving possession between the lines, attacking defenders directly and moving into central scoring positions from the left.
His versatility could be particularly valuable during a demanding campaign. Tottenham will need different solutions depending on the opposition, and Gakpo can adapt his role without forcing the coach to make major structural changes.
Against teams that defend deeply, he can move into crowded central areas and combine with midfielders. In more open matches, his pace and powerful running can make him dangerous in transition.
De Zerbi Driving Tottenham’s Interest
Roberto De Zerbi is believed to be one of the main reasons Tottenham have maintained their interest in Gakpo. The Italian coach reportedly views the former PSV attacker as a player of exceptional quality who can perform an important role in his tactical system.
De Zerbi’s teams generally attempt to control possession, attract pressure and create spaces through structured passing. That approach requires forwards who are technically secure, intelligent in their positioning and capable of making quick decisions in tight areas.
Gakpo has demonstrated those qualities at Liverpool and with the Netherlands. He is comfortable receiving the ball with his back to goal, linking with teammates and turning towards the opposition penalty area.
His physical strength also allows him to protect possession when defenders apply pressure. That quality could help Tottenham progress the ball through difficult areas and maintain attacks rather than losing possession immediately.
De Zerbi is also known for developing attacking players and giving them detailed tactical responsibilities. Tottenham believe that working under the Italian could allow Gakpo to become an even more influential forward.
Liverpool Set a High Asking Price
Liverpool’s reported valuation of more than €70 million reflects both Gakpo’s quality and the strength of his contractual situation. With four years remaining on his deal, the club have no need to accept a reduced offer.
The forward is also entering what should be the peak stage of his career. At 27, he combines experience with several years of top-level football still ahead of him.
Liverpool would therefore only consider a departure if the transfer made clear sporting and financial sense. A substantial fee could provide funds for further recruitment, but losing a versatile attacker would also create a gap in the squad.
The club value players who can cover several attacking positions, particularly during periods of injuries or fixture congestion. Gakpo’s ability to play wide or centrally makes him useful even when he is not an automatic starter.
For that reason, Liverpool are reportedly as comfortable retaining him as they are discussing a transfer at the right price.
The Final Decision Rests With Gakpo
The most important factor in the situation is Gakpo’s own position. Liverpool are not actively forcing him out, while Tottenham do not want to invest time in a difficult negotiation unless the player is genuinely interested in the move.
If Gakpo decides that he wants a new challenge and a more central role, Spurs are prepared to act. If he prefers to remain at Anfield, Liverpool are unlikely to encourage a sale.
The Dutch forward must therefore assess several factors before making a decision. These include his expected playing time, tactical role, relationship with the coaching staff and belief in the respective sporting projects.
At Liverpool, he is already established in a competitive squad capable of challenging for major trophies. However, he must compete with several high-quality attackers for a regular starting position.
At Tottenham, De Zerbi could offer him a more prominent role and build important parts of the attack around his qualities. That possibility may be attractive if Gakpo wants greater responsibility.
A Potential Central Role in North London
Tottenham’s interest appears to involve more than simply adding depth. The club reportedly see Gakpo as a leading figure capable of becoming one of the main attacking references in the team.
He could begin from the left before moving into central areas, allowing the full-back to provide width. Alternatively, De Zerbi could use him as a mobile central forward who drops into midfield and creates space for teammates running beyond him.
That flexibility would make Tottenham less predictable. Opponents would find it difficult to prepare for one fixed attacking structure because Gakpo could change position during matches.
His presence could also improve the balance of the forward line. Tottenham need attackers who can combine individual quality with disciplined movement, and Gakpo has experience performing within demanding tactical systems.
How Gakpo Could Fit De Zerbi’s Football
De Zerbi expects his attacking players to participate in build-up play rather than waiting exclusively near the opposition goal. Gakpo’s technical profile appears well suited to that requirement.
He can move towards the ball, receive passes under pressure and connect with midfielders before accelerating into the final third. His ability to carry the ball also gives the team a direct option when passing routes are unavailable.
When Tottenham attract pressure deep in their own half, space can emerge further forward. Gakpo possesses the speed and awareness to attack those openings before the opposition defence has time to reorganise.
He can also contribute against compact blocks. His movement into inside positions creates passing angles, while his shooting ability forces defenders to close him down quickly around the penalty area.
De Zerbi would nevertheless demand improvements in pressing and defensive positioning. Tottenham’s forwards must understand when to apply pressure and when to remain compact rather than attacking the ball individually.
Competition for Places at Liverpool
Gakpo’s decision may depend heavily on the role Liverpool intend to give him during the new season. The club possess several attacking options, and competition for starting positions remains intense.
His versatility has often worked both in his favour and against him. It allows him to receive minutes in different roles, but it can also prevent him from becoming permanently established in one position.
Some players prefer that flexibility, while others benefit from having a clearly defined role. Tottenham could attempt to convince Gakpo that he would receive greater tactical certainty in north London.
Regular starts in his preferred position may also be important for his international ambitions. Performing consistently at club level would strengthen his status within the Netherlands squad.
Tottenham Ready to Make a Financial Commitment
Spurs have reportedly reserved a substantial budget for the operation, indicating that their interest is serious rather than exploratory.
A transfer worth more than €70 million would represent one of the club’s most significant investments. Tottenham would need to be convinced that Gakpo can provide an immediate impact as well as long-term value.
The club must also consider the complete financial package, including salary, agent fees and potential bonuses. The total cost could extend considerably beyond the basic transfer fee.
Such an investment would place significant expectations on the player. Gakpo would arrive as a major signing and would be judged according to his goals, assists and influence in important matches.
Tottenham may nevertheless believe that proven Premier League experience reduces the risk. Unlike a player arriving from another competition, Gakpo already understands the physical intensity and tactical demands of English football.
Premier League Experience an Important Advantage
Gakpo would not require the same adaptation period as many international signings. He has already experienced the speed, pressure and congested schedule of the Premier League.
That familiarity could allow him to contribute quickly at Tottenham. He understands how English defenders approach duels and how little time attackers often receive in possession.
He is also accustomed to playing in high-pressure stadiums and competing in matches where every mistake receives significant attention.
For De Zerbi, signing a player already comfortable in the league would make tactical integration easier. The coach could focus immediately on the details of his role rather than waiting for him to adapt physically.
Liverpool Could Demand a Replacement First
Even if Gakpo decides that he wants to leave, Liverpool may not approve the transfer immediately. The club would need to assess whether sufficient attacking depth remains within the squad.
A sale could depend on Liverpool identifying or completing a move for a replacement. Allowing a versatile attacker to leave without an alternative would create unnecessary risk.
The timing of the negotiations may therefore become important. Tottenham would prefer to complete the operation early enough for Gakpo to participate in training and adapt to De Zerbi’s system.
Liverpool, however, may wait until their own recruitment plans become clearer before making a final decision.
Gakpo’s PSV Background Remains Relevant
Gakpo developed into one of the most exciting attackers in Dutch football during his time at PSV. He became known for his powerful running from the left, ability to create chances and confidence in front of goal.
His performances in the Netherlands demonstrated that he could carry considerable attacking responsibility. At Liverpool, he has expanded his game by learning to perform in several positions and within a more demanding tactical environment.
Tottenham may believe they can combine both versions of the player: the direct and productive wide attacker seen at PSV and the more versatile forward developed at Anfield.
De Zerbi’s challenge would be to give him enough freedom to remain dangerous while also integrating him into a highly structured team.
A Major Career Decision for the Dutchman
Gakpo is approaching an important stage of his career. At 27, his next move could determine how he spends his peak years.
Remaining at Liverpool would provide continuity, Champions League ambition and competition at one of England’s biggest clubs. Leaving for Tottenham could offer a more central role and the chance to become a defining player in a new project.
Neither option is without risk. Staying may mean continued competition and occasional rotation, while moving would require adapting to a new coach, dressing room and tactical structure.
The reported interest from Spurs gives him genuine choice rather than forcing him into a decision because Liverpool no longer want him.
Tottenham’s Patience Could Be Tested
Spurs are prepared to wait because De Zerbi has made Gakpo a priority, but the club cannot allow the situation to continue indefinitely.
Tottenham need sufficient time to pursue alternative targets if the Dutchman ultimately decides to remain at Liverpool.
The longer the uncertainty continues, the more difficult it may become to complete another major attacking signing before the transfer window closes.
For that reason, Spurs are likely to seek an indication from Gakpo and his representatives before entering formal negotiations over the fee.
Supporters Would Expect Immediate Impact
A transfer of this size would create enormous expectations among Tottenham supporters. Gakpo would be expected to improve the team’s attacking output immediately.
His goals and assists would receive the most attention, but De Zerbi would also value his movement, link play and ability to create space for others.
Supporters may compare the transfer fee with his production, particularly during difficult periods. Managing that pressure would be an important part of the challenge.
Gakpo has already experienced similar scrutiny at Liverpool and should understand the expectations attached to representing a major Premier League club.
Spurs Looking to Strengthen Their Ambitions
Tottenham’s pursuit of Gakpo reflects the club’s determination to strengthen the squad rather than rely entirely on internal improvement.
De Zerbi wants a team capable of controlling matches while remaining dangerous in the final third. Adding an established international forward would increase the number of tactical solutions available to him.
The transfer would also demonstrate that Spurs are prepared to compete financially for players from direct Premier League rivals.
Convincing Liverpool to sell and Gakpo to join would represent a significant statement about Tottenham’s ambitions for the coming seasons.
Negotiations Depend on a Clear Signal
For now, Tottenham are waiting. They have made their interest known, prepared the financial resources and received encouragement from De Zerbi’s strong admiration for the player.
What they still require is a clear signal from Gakpo. If the forward informs Liverpool that he is ready for a new challenge, Spurs are expected to move quickly.
At that stage, negotiations over the transfer fee could become intense. Liverpool’s position is strong, and Tottenham would need to approach or exceed the reported €70 million valuation.
If Gakpo chooses to stay, the situation may end without a formal bid. Liverpool would retain a valuable squad member, while Tottenham would redirect their budget towards another attacking target.
Gakpo Holds the Key to the Transfer
The essential point is that Cody Gakpo controls the next step. Liverpool are willing to keep him, Tottenham are prepared to sign him and De Zerbi considers him an exceptional player.
The decision will depend on where the Netherlands international believes he can play his best football and receive the most suitable role.
A move to north London would give him the opportunity to become a central figure in De Zerbi’s project. Remaining at Anfield would allow him to continue competing within a strong Liverpool squad under a long-term contract.
Tottenham’s interest is serious, and the necessary budget appears to be available. However, the club will only act once Gakpo decides that his future should lie away from Liverpool.
Until then, Spurs will remain patient, Liverpool will maintain their strong negotiating position and one of the summer’s most intriguing Premier League transfer stories will remain unresolved.
