Cody Gakpo Transfer Saga: Liverpool's Stance Hardens Amid Tottenham's Pursuit
Cody Gakpo’s proposed move from Liverpool to Tottenham Hotspur has hit a major snag, even as Spurs keep pushing hard to land Manchester City winger Savinho.
For weeks, Gakpo has been painted as a key target for Tottenham, a deal that could have helped Liverpool bankroll ambitious moves for Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, whose combined price could reach around £155million. Personal terms between Spurs and Gakpo were even said to be in place, with an opening £60m offer being lined up.
Now the picture looks very different.
Liverpool stance hardens on Gakpo
According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Liverpool are far from resigned to losing the Dutch forward. Speaking to Last Word on Spurs, Crook poured cold water on the idea that Gakpo is close to the exit door.
“I don’t think it will happen,” he said. “Speaking to sources at Liverpool they think he’s had a good pre-season under Iraola, they think he’s a player that Iraola can get the best out of.
“I think he probably would be open to the move, but at the moment that’s not one I expect to happen between now and deadline day.”
Those comments cut directly against earlier claims from CaughtOffside that exits for both Gakpo and Curtis Jones were “getting closer”. TEAMtalk had already reported that Spurs had agreed personal terms with Gakpo and that the player had informed Liverpool of his desire to leave, with Tottenham preparing that £60m bid.
The reality now is more complicated. Liverpool’s belief in Gakpo under new boss Andoni Iraola has stiffened their resolve. Tottenham’s long courtship suddenly looks fragile.
De Zerbi’s double vision under threat
Roberto De Zerbi has been pushing for a bold attacking rebuild at Spurs. The plan: bring in both Gakpo and Savinho to supercharge his forward line.
He may have to compromise.
With the Gakpo deal stalling, attention naturally intensifies on Savinho, the 22-year-old Brazilian winger on Manchester City’s books. The Times report that Spurs remain locked in negotiations with City after failing to get a deal over the line last summer.
City’s stance is clear. They are prepared to sell, even though Savinho signed a new contract in October. But they want a premium.
Savinho price climbs as Spurs weigh their ambition
Back in July, the Daily Mail reported that Spurs were closing in on Savinho for around £65m, a second attempt to secure a player they have tracked closely. That figure now looks outdated.
The Times claim City are holding out for closer to £85m, a jump that forces Tottenham into a decision: walk away, or double down on their aggressive market strategy.
Recent history suggests Spurs are ready to swing big. Record-breaking deals for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have already underlined the club’s willingness to spend heavily under De Zerbi. The message has been consistent – this is a project being backed.
Personal terms with Savinho are already agreed. The player is ready. The fee is the final hurdle.
So as the window ticks towards its conclusion, Tottenham find themselves at a crossroads: a Gakpo move drifting out of reach, a Savinho deal there for them if they are prepared to meet Manchester City’s £85m demand.
If they do, De Zerbi will at least get one of his two marquee wingers. The question is whether that will be enough for a club intent on crashing the Premier League’s top tier on its own terms.
