Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly making significant strides towards signing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch international said to have agreed personal terms for a potential transfer to North London. The move comes as a surprise, considering Gakpo recently signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool.
The situation has apparently shifted following managerial changes at Liverpool, with Arne Slot's departure and Andoni Iraola's subsequent appointment. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is actively seeking to bolster his squad with a proven left-sided attacker, and Gakpo has emerged as a top priority.
Transfer insider Nicolò Schira indicates that Gakpo is "one step away" from joining Tottenham, having already agreed to personal terms on a contract that would keep him at the club until 2031. Spurs are now focused on finalizing an agreement with Liverpool, with reports suggesting a fee in the region of £70 million is being discussed.
However, the transfer is not a done deal yet. Football Insider reports that Liverpool is unwilling to sanction Gakpo's departure until they secure several attacking reinforcements of their own. This means that even with personal terms agreed, the transfer hinges heavily on Liverpool's incoming business.
Gakpo's profile makes him an attractive target for Tottenham. He's familiar with the Premier League, versatile enough to play on the left or centrally, and would provide an established goalscoring threat. At 27, he is also considered to be entering his prime playing years.
The complicating factor is Liverpool's current squad depth. Offloading Gakpo without securing replacements would leave manager Iraola short on proven wide attacking options. Therefore, Liverpool's acquisition of new forwards in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this transfer saga. For Tottenham, while a £70 million outlay is substantial, Gakpo represents a less risky investment due to his proven track record in England.
