Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is increasingly open to joining Tottenham Hotspur, with fresh information suggesting direct talks have already taken place between the Netherlands international and Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink has provided the latest update on Gakpo’s situation, reporting that the 27-year-old held discussions with De Zerbi last month and came away receptive to the possibility of moving to north London.
Liverpool’s willingness to consider a sale also appears to have increased, potentially opening the door to further negotiations between the Premier League clubs.
Gakpo Held Direct Tottenham TalksTottenham’s interest in Gakpo has developed significantly during recent weeks.
Previous reporting from Voetbal International journalist Joost Blaauwhof indicated that Spurs had formally registered their interest in the Liverpool attacker, with De Zerbi viewing Gakpo and Savinho as players capable of fulfilling different functions within his attacking system.
Elfrink has now offered further detail regarding Gakpo’s position.
He posted on X: “Gakpo has, according to a usually well-informed source, already spoken with the Spurs coach last month. After that, the conclusion was that he is definitely open to a transfer to Spurs. Liverpool now seems willing to go along with it. There’s still good money in it for PSV, so interesting enough.”
That communication with De Zerbi is significant. Gakpo appears to have received a clear indication of how Tottenham would intend to use him, while Spurs now know the player is receptive to their project.
Liverpool Valuation Remains ImportantLiverpool’s stance will ultimately determine whether discussions progress towards an agreement.
SoccerNews have reported that Tottenham submitted an opening proposal worth just over £60 million, although Liverpool are expected to reject that figure.
Reports have placed Liverpool’s valuation at approximately £70 million, which represents a considerable return on the fee paid to PSV Eindhoven when Gakpo moved to Anfield in January 2023.
The situation could therefore become a relatively straightforward negotiation if Tottenham are prepared to increase their offer.
Liverpool have little reason to sanction a deal below their valuation. Gakpo remains an experienced Premier League attacker capable of playing from the left, centrally or across several attacking positions.
Barcola Chase Could Shape Liverpool DecisionAnother important factor is Liverpool’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
Andoni Iraola’s squad is undergoing substantial attacking change, and Liverpool’s recruitment plans could create further movement before the transfer window closes.
If Liverpool make progress with Barcola, Gakpo’s position becomes increasingly interesting.
The club must manage the numbers within Iraola’s attacking group, particularly when significant transfer income could be generated through Gakpo’s departure.
There is also a financial consequence for PSV. Elfrink reports that the Dutch club would benefit from the solidarity mechanism should Tottenham complete the transfer, giving them an additional interest in proceedings.
Tottenham Move Becoming Increasingly PossibleGakpo’s willingness to speak directly with De Zerbi represents another important development.
Player interest alone does not guarantee a transfer, particularly when Liverpool retain control of negotiations and have established a significant valuation.
However, the main components required for a deal are beginning to emerge. Tottenham want the player, Gakpo appears open to the move and Liverpool are reportedly prepared to discuss his departure at the right price.
Further discussions over the fee may now prove decisive.
Photo: IMAGO
Our ViewSelling Cody Gakpo for around £70 million can certainly be justified financially, especially if Liverpool believe they can reinvest that money into Bradley Barcola. The worry comes from the possibility of completing one half of that equation before the other has been secured.
Liverpool have already entered another major period of transition under Andoni Iraola. Mohamed Salah has departed, and changing another established member of the attacking group carries obvious risk.
Gakpo can frustrate supporters, and there have been periods where his performances have lacked consistency. He still provides goals, Premier League experience and positional flexibility. Those qualities matter during a long season.
Liverpool therefore need certainty surrounding Barcola, or another elite attacking arrival, before allowing Gakpo to leave.
There is also the uncomfortable prospect of strengthening Tottenham directly. De Zerbi clearly sees something valuable in Gakpo, otherwise those conversations would not have taken place so early.
Liverpool cannot afford to discover several months from now that they have handed a direct Premier League rival a productive attacker while their own replacement remains unresolved.
£70 million would represent strong business.
It only becomes good football business when Liverpool have the replacement through the door.
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