A wanted man – but would Liverpool’s Gakpo be a good fit at Spurs?

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is gathering pace, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side weighing up whether the Dutchman would be a smart tactical fit. The Reds, meanwhile, are reluctant to part with their most experienced attacker, particularly after Mohamed Salah’s exit and Hugo Ekitike’s ongoing Achilles recovery. But Spurs see Gakpo as more than just a left winger—his versatility could offer a solution to their attacking reshuffle.

Why Spurs are circling Gakpo

Tottenham’s interest stems from De Zerbi’s preference for a fluid frontline, where forwards rotate and link play rather than stay fixed to one role. Gakpo’s ability to operate as a false nine, second striker, or even on the left wing aligns with that approach. The 25-year-old’s positional intelligence—dropping between the lines to combine with midfielders before releasing runners—mirrors the demands of De Zerbi’s system.

While Solanke and Tel are established central strikers, neither offers the same adaptability as Gakpo. His presence would give Spurs cover across multiple positions, a luxury they lacked last season when injuries and suspensions exposed their depth. The club’s willingness to gamble on unproven talent—see their recent Chelsea clash—suggests they’re prepared to take a calculated risk on a player who ticks tactical boxes.

Liverpool’s dilemma: sell or hold?

Liverpool’s reluctance to part with Gakpo is understandable. With Salah gone and Ekitike still sidelined, the Reds are thinning their attacking ranks. Their pursuit of PSG’s Bradley Barcola—reported in the same transfer cycle—highlights their need to refresh the forward line, but even Barcola’s arrival wouldn’t offset Gakpo’s experience.

The dilemma is compounded by Liverpool’s history of losing key players for free. Robertson, Konaté, and Salah all left on expiring deals this summer, following the free transfers of Firmino, Wijnaldum, and Can in recent years. The club’s failure to secure extensions for van Dijk, Alisson, and others risks repeating the same mistake, with ten first-team players set to become bosman transfers next summer unless new contracts are agreed.

Gakpo’s situation is different—he still has two years left on his deal—but Liverpool’s track record of undervaluing talent makes them cautious. If Spurs table a competitive bid, the Reds may face a choice: cash in now or risk losing him for nothing in 2026.

The numbers behind the move

Gakpo’s 2025-26 season was polarising among Liverpool fans, with just seven Premier League goals his lowest return in a full campaign. Yet the underlying metrics tell a different story. He ranked among Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards for touches in the opposition box (2.2 per 90 minutes) and chances created, placing him inside the top 10 for both metrics among wingers in the top five leagues.

His profile compares favourably to peers like Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo, with a knack for finding space in congested areas. For Spurs, that translates to a player who can stretch play, link defence to attack, and contribute to build-up phases—critical for a side transitioning under De Zerbi. The question is whether his goal output will rise to match his creative influence, a concern echoed in Liverpool’s struggles last term.

Tottenham’s interest in Gakpo isn’t just about replacing a winger; it’s about plugging a tactical void. For Liverpool, the decision hinges on whether they trust their recruitment to replace him—or if they’ll repeat past mistakes by letting another key asset drift away. With the window heating up, both clubs face a high-stakes gamble.