Manchester United Eyes Cody Gakpo Transfer Amid Tottenham Interest

Manchester United’s long-running admiration for Cody Gakpo is back under the spotlight, with the Liverpool forward once again linked to a highly controversial switch across English football’s fiercest divide.

Gakpo’s second full season at Anfield never truly caught fire. Across all competitions he finished with nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances, a sharp drop from the 18 goals and seven assists he produced in just 49 games the year before. For a player signed to be one of Liverpool’s next attacking pillars, the numbers told a story of a campaign that stuttered rather than soared.

On the international stage, he reminded everyone why Europe’s elite chased him in the first place. At the World Cup he struck three times and laid on one assist in four matches, carrying a real threat from the left as the Netherlands surged through the group phase before their shock round-of-32 exit to Morocco. When the stakes rose, his level did too.

Back at Liverpool, the expectations are clear. With Alexander Isak needing support through the middle and Hugo Ekitike sidelined until at least January after rupturing his Achilles, Gakpo is under pressure to step up, potentially as a central striker as much as a left-sided weapon. Liverpool’s hierarchy know they need more from him in the coming season.

That hasn’t stopped the rumour mill. Tottenham Hotspur have placed him on a winger shortlist, and United are being talked about as a possible, if unlikely, destination.

Speaking to The United Stand, reporter Ben Jacobs underlined how complicated any United move would be, even if the interest is real.

“He has always been somewhat appreciated, but we know that Man Utd and Liverpool just don’t really do business,” Jacobs said, capturing the reality of a rivalry that rarely crosses into the transfer market.

“So, whether or not that could possibly get off the ground, I’m not so sure.

“There are denials, despite recent reports in the Netherlands, that Gakpo has asked in any way, shape, or form to leave.

“So, Liverpool are quite calm about the situation, but Tottenham might consider that deal. And all we can say is Man Utd loved Gakpo before he joined Liverpool.

“If Gakpo specifically asks to leave Liverpool, then let’s see whether Premier League clubs come forward. And it seems like Tottenham are the most concrete suitor.”

Those words cut to the heart of the situation. United’s interest is long-standing and genuine. Liverpool’s stance is relaxed. Tottenham, right now, look the most serious.

The Old Trafford club’s fascination with Gakpo dates back to 2022, when Erik ten Hag pushed hard for his signing from PSV. Gakpo had exploded in Eindhoven, the standout star and creative hub, and Ten Hag viewed him as a perfect fit for his rebuild. United moved, but not quickly enough.

Liverpool did. In December 2022 they struck a £35m agreement with PSV, closing the deal ahead of the January window and leaving United to look elsewhere. Since then, United scouts have not stopped tracking him, even as he settled into life under Jurgen Klopp.

Yet for all that history, the current landscape points towards North London. Spurs are actively weighing up wide attacking options and have Gakpo on a list that also features Rafael Leao, Savinho and Antonio Nusa. That kind of company underlines where they see him: a high-ceiling forward who can still grow into a match-winner.

Liverpool are not pushing him towards the exit. There is no active plan to sell, no public suggestion of a breakdown between player and club. But the numbers matter. A bid in the region of £70m would force a serious conversation at Anfield.

Tottenham, with a defined need out wide and a manager keen on flexible forwards, look ready to test that resolve. United, for all their admiration, still face the same old barrier: Liverpool almost never pick up the phone when the caller ID flashes red for Old Trafford.

If Gakpo decides he wants out and makes that clear, the market will move quickly. The question is simple: will he be the one to light the fuse on one of the most explosive transfer sagas the Premier League could see this summer?