Cody Gakpo's Potential Move to Spurs: Liverpool's Stance and De Zerbi's Interest
Cody Gakpo is no longer just a name on Tottenham’s recruitment board. He has spoken to the head coach, weighed up the project and, according to fresh reports in the Netherlands, is now open to swapping Anfield for north London.
The Liverpool forward held direct talks with Roberto De Zerbi last month, Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink reports, and left those conversations “definitely open” to a move to Spurs. For a transfer of this size, that kind of early, personal contact matters. It tells both clubs the player is ready if the numbers line up.
Liverpool, crucially, are now said to be willing to entertain that possibility.
Direct line to De Zerbi
Tottenham’s interest has accelerated in recent weeks. Earlier reporting from Voetbal International’s Joost Blaauwhof revealed that Spurs had formally registered their intent, with De Zerbi identifying Gakpo and Savinho as two different tools for his attacking toolbox rather than rivals for the same role.
Elfrink has now added the key detail: a conversation between Gakpo and De Zerbi already took place last month. Posting on X, he wrote that a usually well-informed source confirmed the talks and that Gakpo came away open to a transfer. Liverpool, he added, now seem prepared to “go along with it”, while PSV Eindhoven still stand to benefit financially.
The chat with De Zerbi will have been specific. Gakpo will know where he fits in the system, how often he can expect to start, and in which roles. Spurs, in turn, have learned that the 27-year-old is ready to buy into their project. That removes one major obstacle from any negotiation.
There is another layer. PSV, Gakpo’s former club, would profit from the solidarity mechanism if a deal goes through. For them, this is a transfer worth watching as closely as anyone in north London or on Merseyside.
Liverpool’s price tag sets the tone
The next move belongs to Liverpool. Their valuation will dictate whether this story becomes a saga or a swift, clinical piece of business.
SoccerNews report that Tottenham have already tested the waters with an opening bid just north of £60 million. Liverpool are expected to reject that. The Anfield hierarchy are understood to want around £70 million – a hefty return on what they paid PSV when Gakpo arrived in January 2023.
If Spurs edge closer to that figure, the negotiation could turn simple very quickly. Liverpool have little incentive to fold for less. Gakpo is a proven Premier League attacker, comfortable off the left, through the middle or across various attacking roles. That versatility carries weight in a season that will stretch squads again.
For now, the gap between offer and valuation is where the tension sits.
Barcola chase looms over the deal
Hovering over all of this is Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola. Andoni Iraola is reshaping his forward line, and the French winger has emerged as a key target.
If Liverpool make real progress with Barcola, Gakpo’s future becomes far more fluid. Numbers in Iraola’s attacking group will need managing, and Gakpo is one of the few assets capable of generating serious income without tearing up the entire structure of the side.
That calculation has more than one column. There is the sporting risk of losing another established attacker in the same summer Mohamed Salah has already departed. There is the financial upside of a £70 million sale. There is the tactical balance Iraola wants to build. And, quietly, there is the solidarity money that would flow back to PSV.
Liverpool cannot afford to misjudge the timing. Selling Gakpo before securing Barcola – or another elite replacement – would leave Iraola exposed at the sharp end of the pitch.
Spurs sense an opening
From Tottenham’s side, the picture is far clearer. They want Gakpo. De Zerbi has spoken to him early, which underlines how highly he rates the Dutchman’s blend of size, technique and positional flexibility.
Player interest alone never guarantees a move, especially when the selling club hold a firm valuation and no urgent need to cash in. Yet the key elements are falling into place: Spurs have made their intentions known, Gakpo is open to the switch, and Liverpool are at least listening.
The next round of talks will be about money, structure and timing. Raise the offer, edge closer to £70 million, and a deal suddenly looks very real.
For Liverpool, the question is sharper. Can they bank a strong fee, line up Barcola or another top-tier forward, and avoid strengthening a direct Premier League rival in the process? Or will they watch Gakpo walk into De Zerbi’s front line and discover later that they solved Tottenham’s problem before fixing their own?
