Tottenham’s Pursuit of Cody Gakpo Hits Liverpool Wall
Tottenham’s chase for Cody Gakpo has run straight into a brick wall painted bright Liverpool red.
Interest from north London has been simmering all summer, with Spurs identifying the Netherlands international as a major attacking target. On paper, he fits the bill: seven goals and five assists in 36 Premier League appearances last season, versatility across the front line, and a profile that suits Ange Postecoglou’s aggressive, front-foot football.
Reality, though, is less accommodating.
Liverpool dig in
Gakpo only signed a new long-term deal at Anfield 12 months ago, off the back of a strong 2024/25 campaign. Liverpool view him as part of their core, not a tradeable asset to balance the books. Their stance is clear: he stays, unless someone pays big and they have a replacement – or two – already through the door.
talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, speaking on Hawksbee & Baker, summed up the mood from Merseyside. Liverpool’s preference, he said, is to keep hold of Gakpo, and that position will not shift unless they add one, if not two, attack-minded players.
That’s why those currently trying to prise him away are being met with a blunt message. Sources have described it as a “fool’s errand” to even attempt negotiations right now. Liverpool intend to reject everything until they know reinforcements are secured.
The market backs them up. With fees spiralling across Europe, Liverpool are ready to point to recent inflated deals as the benchmark for any valuation. Spurs might fancy a clever move; Liverpool are thinking premium price or no deal at all.
A window that could twist late
There is a sliver of daylight for Tottenham, but it lies deep into the window. Jacobs indicated that Gakpo’s position could “change a little bit” towards the middle or end of the window, once Liverpool have done their attacking business.
The club are expected to place an opening offer for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who is keen on the move even though personal terms are not yet agreed. Barcola is viewed as the top target, with interest also in Ibrahim Mbaye and others as Liverpool look to refresh their forward options.
The equation is simple enough: if Liverpool land Barcola and another attacker, the resistance over Gakpo might soften. Until that happens, the door stays bolted.
Spurs push on multiple fronts
Tottenham, for their part, are not treating Gakpo as a one-off fantasy. Their pursuit is serious and part of a broader push to add firepower. According to Jacobs, Gakpo would be targeted in addition to Savinho, another forward Spurs are actively working on.
Savinho has already made his intentions clear. talkSPORT understands the player has informed Manchester City that he wants to join Spurs this summer, having been keen on the switch as far back as last year when Tottenham’s interest first surfaced.
The snag sits in the City boardroom. At present, City are not willing to sanction a sale, even though they could still move for another attacker themselves. Talks between the clubs have been ongoing throughout the summer, but this is a battle of resolve rather than resources. For now, Spurs wait on City to change their stance.
And there lies the tension of Tottenham’s window: one major target locked behind Liverpool’s need to buy, another held back by City’s refusal to sell. The ambition is obvious. The question is whether the market, and two of England’s modern powerhouses, will let them get anywhere near it.
