Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur are actively investigating a summer transfer swoop for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo to reinforce their attacking flanks.
- Head coach Roberto De Zerbi views the 27-year-old Netherlands international as a cornerstone addition to his project in North London.
- Tottenham are reportedly preparing an internal package or bid that could range from £60 million to £73.5 million (€70 million to €85 million) to test Liverpool’s resolve.
- Liverpool have not yet granted a green light for an exit, with future choices heavily dependent on strategic evaluations alongside new manager Andoni Iraola after the 2026 World Cup.
- National team compatriots Micky van de Ven, newly-signed Jan Paul van Hecke, and international teammate Xavi Simons are identified as Tottenham’s potential “secret weapons” to convince Gakpo.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News), June 27, 2026. The Italian tactician, who assumed leadership at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a five-year contract on March 31, 2026, has firmly identified Gakpo as a key component for his tactical setup.
As detailed by senior sports journalist Jake Stokes of Football.London, the North London club are eager to add proven top-flight experience and a robust winning mentality to a squad trying to rebuild its identity.
Furthermore, as disclosed by Italian transfer expert Nicolò Schira, De Zerbi views the Dutch attacker as a fundamental piece of his strategic project, and Tottenham are internally structured to propose an extensive long-term contract extending until 2031.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Tottenham are weighing up Gakpo’s immediate impact and established Premier League track record against other high-profile wide options, including Manchester City’s Savinho, as they look to injection goals from the flanks to support central options Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.
How could Tottenham’s “secret weapons” influence the transfer?
Tottenham hold distinct dressing-room advantages that could help persuade Gakpo to head to the capital. The presence of established Dutch central defender Micky van de Ven offers a direct link, which has been bolstered by the recent arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke, who completed a high-profile move to Tottenham from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Additionally, internal media linking Tottenham with Netherlands international playmaker Xavi Simons suggests a concerted effort to create a familiar ecosystem.
Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton commented to Football.London on the value Gakpo would inject into the side, asserting that:
“Gakpo would definitely add quality and address a problem area for Tottenham, especially for the last few seasons when Odobert was out, Kudus was out, Kulusevski was out. They need more goals coming from wide areas, they need more supply for the likes of Solanke and Richarlison.”
What is Liverpool’s stance on selling the Dutch forward?
The situation remains delicate at Anfield, where a firm decision has not yet been formalised. As reported by global football journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official broadcast channels, Liverpool remain completely undecided regarding Gakpo’s long-term future. Romano clarified that:
“There is an appreciation from Tottenham for Cody Gakpo. That’s true. He is one of the players they appreciate… But this story about Cody Gakpo completely depends on what Liverpool want to do. Liverpool are yet to decide anything. At the moment, they are not opening doors to his exit.”
According to reports published by Football365, Gakpo has been left questioning his long-term prominent role at Anfield following structural changes, including the departure of former manager Arne Slot and the appointment of new head coach Andoni Iraola.
While the former PSV Eindhoven star has not officially submitted a transfer request, sources close to the player suggest he has no desire to spend his peak professional years as a rotational squad option.
What are the financial dynamics and competing clubs in play?
Securing the winger will require significant financial investment from Tottenham’s ownership group, ENIC. Industry insights shared by CaughtOffside reveal that Tottenham are preparing a formal package valued close to €70 million (£60 million) to test the waters, though alternate sources indicate Liverpool may hold out for a minimum evaluation of £65 million to £73.5 million.
OneFootball reports that Tottenham’s hesitation rests on whether they are willing to eclipse or equal the club-record fee of £65 million paid for Dominic Solanke in 2024, particularly as funds are also being directed toward a high-stakes chase for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali. To add complication, Tottenham are not alone in their evaluation; Newcastle United and Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping tabs on the forward’s situation during the tournament.
Background of the Development
Cody Gakpo transferred to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, signing a contract that bounds him to Anfield until June 2030. Across his tenure under the previous management structure, Gakpo established himself as an adaptable asset, amassing 50 goals in 180 appearances while moving between the left wing, central attacking midfield, and a false-nine role. Despite showing moments of high technical quality, his domestic 2025/26 campaign was perceived as inconsistent, yielding 9 goals and 6 assists across 52 competitive appearances.
Concurrently, Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult domestic period, logging successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League table, which were slightly offset by winning the UEFA Europa League to mask underlying domestic deficiencies.
Following the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi in March 2026, the club launched an aggressive squad transformation aimed at matching the tactical requirements of the Italian coach while navigating a lack of domestic UEFA Champions League exposure for the upcoming term.
Prediction
If Tottenham successfully finalise a deal for Cody Gakpo, it will directly impact the club’s supporters, tactical structure, and the wider Premier League ecosystem.
For the Tottenham fanbase, completing a multi-million-pound transfer for an established top-six rival’s forward will signal serious backing for Roberto De Zerbi’s project, rebuilding fan confidence after two consecutive 17th-place league finishes.
Tactically, Gakpo’s profile would alleviate the severe reliance on existing wingers, giving the squad an adaptable outlet capable of driving central penetration and increasing service metrics for central strikers. However, because Tottenham cannot offer UEFA Champions League football next season, failing to secure a top-four position quickly could create future friction regarding Gakpo’s desire for elite European minutes.
For Liverpool, sanctioning a sale to a direct top-flight competitor will demand an immediate, premium replacement strategy from Andoni Iraola to prevent a backlash from Anfield supporters concerned about thinning squad depth.
