Tottenham Make Cody Gakpo Contact as Liverpool Stand Firm on £70m Valuation

Tottenham Make Initial Contact for Cody Gakpo

Tottenham Hotspur have made initial contact with a view to signing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano. The Dutch international has emerged as a key target for Spurs as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.

However, Liverpool are said to be holding firm on their £70 million valuation for the 25-year-old, who joined the Merseyside club from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023. The Reds are under no pressure to sell, with Gakpo under contract until 2028.

Context: Gakpo's Liverpool Career So Far

Gakpo has been a consistent performer for Liverpool since his arrival, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists in 90 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he played a key role in Liverpool's top-four finish, contributing 12 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League.

His versatility has been crucial: Gakpo can play on the left wing, as a central striker, or in the number 10 role. This flexibility appeals to Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who favours a fluid attacking system.

However, Liverpool's current setup under Arne Slot sees Gakpo often deployed from the left, where he has thrived in a side that presses high and attacks with pace. His statistics underline his effectiveness: he ranked among the top Premier League forwards for successful dribbles and key passes per 90 minutes last season.

Transfer Market Context: The £70m Valuation

Liverpool's £70m asking price reflects Gakpo's status as a key asset. Since arriving for an initial £35m from PSV, his market value has risen significantly, with Transfermarkt valuing him at around €60m (£50m).

Comparable Premier League transfers include Manchester United's £72m move for Antony in 2022 and Chelsea's £89m spend on Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023. Gakpo's fee would place him in a similar bracket, though his statistics arguably outshine both players.

For Tottenham, a £70m investment would represent a club-record fee, surpassing the £62.5m spent on Tanguy Ndombele in 2019. It signals their ambition under manager Ange Postecoglou, who has already made significant signings this summer.

Impact on Tottenham's Squad and Tactics

Should Tottenham secure Gakpo, he would provide a direct upgrade on their current left-wing options. Son Heung-min, now 32, remains a key figure, but Gakpo's arrival would offer depth and long-term succession planning.

Postecoglou's system relies on inverted wingers who can cut inside and create chances. Gakpo's profile fits perfectly: he averaged 2.1 successful dribbles per league game last season, with 1.9 key passes per match. His ability to play centrally also gives tactical flexibility.

However, Tottenham already have Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison in attacking roles, and Gakpo's arrival could disrupt the balance. Postecoglou may need to adjust his formation to accommodate both, potentially shifting to a 4-2-3-1 with Gakpo as the central attacking midfielder.

Fantasy Premier League Implications

For FPL managers, a move to Tottenham would significantly change Gakpo's appeal. At Liverpool, he was a differential pick, owned by just 5.2% of managers. At Spurs, he would likely start regularly, increasing his minutes and potential returns.

Tottenham's fixtures in the opening five gameweeks are favourable: home to Leicester, away to Everton, home to Brentford, Newcastle away, and Arsenal at home. Gakpo would face a moderate difficulty, but his creative output could produce assists and goals.

At a price of 7.5m, he would offer value compared to similar midfielders like Phil Foden (9.0m) or Bukayo Saka (10.0m). However, FPL managers should wait for official confirmation before making changes.

What's Next in the Transfer Saga

Tottenham's initial contact is merely exploratory. Liverpool's stance is firm, and they are under no financial pressure to sell. However, if Gakpo expresses interest in leaving, the dynamic could shift.

Spurs have the resources to meet the valuation, but they may face competition from other European clubs, particularly in Spain and Germany. The transfer window remains open until August 30, providing time for negotiations.

For now, Gakpo remains a Liverpool player, and pre-season preparations continue. Tottenham fans will hope for a breakthrough, but this saga may test their patience.