Tottenham eye £52m Liverpool star Gakpo as Romano reveals appreciation

Tottenham reignite interest in Liverpool's Cody Gakpo amid £52m price tag

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping a close watch on Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming the north London club 'really appreciate' the Dutch international. The 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, has been valued at around £52 million.

Gakpo arrived at Anfield with high expectations after shining in the Eredivisie and at the 2022 World Cup, but his time on Merseyside has been mixed. He has shown flashes of quality but struggled for consistency under Jürgen Klopp, and now with Arne Slot at the helm, his role remains uncertain.

Why Tottenham are tracking Gakpo

Ange Postecoglou is in the market for attacking reinforcements as he looks to rebuild Tottenham's front line. The Australian manager favours versatile forwards capable of playing across the front three, and Gakpo fits that profile. The Dutchman can operate as a left winger, central striker, or number ten, offering tactical flexibility.

Spurs have been heavily linked with a number of wide attackers this summer, but Gakpo's Premier League experience is a significant draw. He has scored 12 goals in 60 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, with five assists in the league last season. However, his form has been inconsistent, and Liverpool may be open to offers if they can recoup a significant portion of their initial £37 million investment.

Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, said: 'Tottenham really appreciate Cody Gakpo. They keep thinking about him as an option for the attack. The price tag is around £50-55 million, but Liverpool would be open to selling if the right offer comes in.'

It is understood that Tottenham have not yet made a formal approach, but scouting reports have been filed, and discussions internally have been positive.

The tactical fit under Postecoglou

Postecoglou's system demands high energy, intelligent movement, and the ability to press from the front. Gakpo, while not a natural high-presser, has the attributes to thrive in such a system if properly drilled. His dribbling ability and creativity in tight spaces would complement Son Heung-min and James Maddison, giving Spurs a different dimension in attack.

However, concerns remain over his pace and defensive contributions. Tottenham already have Richarlison as a central option, and adding Gakpo could create a logjam in forward positions. Brennan Johnson is also expected to feature prominently after his move from Nottingham Forest.

Analysts note that Gakpo's best position is as a left-sided forward cutting inside, a role currently occupied by Son. This could lead to a tactical reshuffle, with Son moving centrally and Gakpo operating off the left, or vice versa. Such fluidity is central to Postecoglou's philosophy.

In terms of numbers, Tottenham's attack scored 71 goals in the Premier League last season, the fifth-best record in the division. Adding a player of Gakpo's calibre could push them closer to the top four, but the £52m fee represents a significant outlay for a player who has not yet consistently performed at the highest level.

Impact on Liverpool and FPL implications

For Liverpool, selling Gakpo would free up funds and squad space for new signings. Arne Slot has been linked with a number of wide players, including Johan Bakayoko from PSV, and could reinvest any fee received. Gakpo's departure would leave Darwin Núñez, Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Diogo Jota as the primary attacking options, with Ben Doak also pushing for minutes.

From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, Gakpo's ownership currently sits at 8.2%. A move to Tottenham would likely increase his appeal, as he would be a guaranteed starter under Postecoglou. Spurs' upcoming fixtures in the first six gameweeks include home games against Everton, Brentford, and Arsenal, offering potential returns. However, his price tag of around £8.0m in FPL would require a significant outlay.

Gakpo's underlying stats are mixed: he averaged 2.1 shots per 90 minutes last season, with a conversion rate of 11.1%. He also created 1.3 chances per game, with an expected assists (xA) of 0.18 per 90. These numbers suggest a player who is not elite but could improve with consistent minutes in a system that suits him.

What comes next

Tottenham are expected to formalise their interest in the coming weeks, but they face competition from other Premier League clubs. Newcastle United and West Ham have also been linked with Gakpo, though neither has made an official bid. Liverpool are in a strong negotiating position, with Gakpo contracted until 2028, and will demand a fee that reflects his potential and the remaining length of his deal.

If a move materialises, it would be one of the most significant transfers of the window, reshaping both clubs' attacking options. For Tottenham, it signals a clear intent to challenge for Champions League places. For Liverpool, it would be a pragmatic sale that funds further evolution under Slot.