Tottenham Hotspur have identified Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as one of their key transfer targets this summer, but prising the Netherlands international away from Anfield is proving to be a difficult task.
Roberto De Zerbi is eager to reshape his Spurs squad ahead of the new season and sees Gakpo as a player capable of adding versatility, creativity and goals to his attack. However, Liverpool are reluctant to sanction a deal, particularly after the departure of Mohamed Salah and with Hugo Ekitike continuing his recovery from an Achilles injury.
Although Gakpo is primarily known as a left winger, his versatility is one of the biggest reasons behind Tottenham’s interest. The Dutch international has regularly operated as a central striker, false nine and second forward during his time at Liverpool, making him an ideal tactical fit for De Zerbi’s fluid attacking system.
Rather than relying on a traditional centre-forward, De Zerbi often asks his striker to drift into deeper areas, link play and create space for runners from midfield and the wings. Gakpo’s technical ability, intelligent movement and close control make him well suited to that role while also offering cover across several attacking positions.
Despite scoring only seven Premier League goals last season, the underlying statistics suggest the 27-year-old remains one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players. He ranked among the top wingers in Europe’s five major leagues for touches inside the opposition penalty area, open-play shots and chances created, while his advanced attacking involvement placed him among the elite performers in his position.
His movement behind defensive lines remains one of his greatest strengths. Gakpo was caught offside more often than any other Premier League player last season, illustrating how frequently he attempted runs beyond defenders in search of scoring opportunities rather than simply dropping deep to receive possession.
When compared with Tottenham’s current attacking options, Gakpo also stands out statistically. He recorded a higher expected goals figure, more shots, more assists and more big chances created than Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel or former loanee Randal Kolo Muani. He also registered significantly more touches inside the opposition penalty area and contributed more in defensive phases through ball recoveries and interceptions.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Gakpo also offers a physical presence rarely found among wide forwards. His aerial ability provides another attacking option, whether through crosses into the box, diagonal passes or direct play against teams defending deep.
Those qualities explain why Liverpool are determined to keep him. With Salah already gone and Ekitike unavailable through injury, Gakpo has become one of the club’s most experienced attacking players. Even if Liverpool complete a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, losing Gakpo would leave the Reds heavily reliant on younger and less experienced options.
His consistency is another factor. Since joining Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, Gakpo has scored seven, eight, 10 and seven Premier League goals across four seasons while continuing to contribute creatively in different attacking roles. Since November 2024, only Salah has scored more league goals for Liverpool than the Dutchman.
For Tottenham, Gakpo represents exactly the type of flexible, intelligent forward De Zerbi wants to build his attack around. For Liverpool, those same qualities make him one of the last players they want to lose, meaning any move between the Premier League rivals is likely to be one of the most difficult transfer sagas of the summer.
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