Tottenham Targets Cody Gakpo Amid Liverpool Standoff

Tottenham’s search for more firepower has led them to Cody Gakpo – but Liverpool are in no mood to roll out the red carpet.

Standard Sport understands Spurs admire the Dutch forward and view him as a serious option for the left flank, with the added bonus that he can operate as a No9. The profile fits their brief perfectly: a wide forward who can finish, link play and shift centrally when needed.

Right now, though, admiration is as far as it goes. Spurs have not opened talks with Liverpool over a summer deal, and Anfield’s stance is clear. Liverpool have no plans to sell.

Their focus is on replacing Mohamed Salah, not creating another hole in the front line. Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola sits at the top of their wish list, with the France international reportedly valued at around £145million. That level of outlay only sharpens Liverpool’s need to keep control of the rest of their squad.

This is where the story becomes more intriguing. Caught Offside report that Gakpo is open to joining Spurs if the clubs can agree a fee. The player is not the obstacle. The price is.

Football Insider have suggested an asking price in the region of £70m. For a club already deep into their summer rebuild, that is a significant decision point. Liverpool must decide whether to stick to their current position or bend if a serious bid lands on the table.

On the other side of the deal, Spurs are not exactly sitting idle in the market. They have already spent £237m, brought in six new players and still Roberto De Zerbi is pushing for more. The head coach has been blunt: he wants two to three further signings before the window closes and believes the club’s transfer work is only about 60 per cent complete.

A winger is high on that list. Another striker is possible. Gakpo, with his ability to attack from the left and step inside as a central forward, ticks both boxes in one move.

So the dynamic is set. A club that wants the player but has not yet bid. A player open to the move. A selling club that, officially, does not want to sell.

Something has to give. The question is whether it will be Liverpool’s resolve, Spurs’ budget, or the clock on the transfer window.