Tottenham offer £51m Cody Gakpo five-year deal, says Schira

Tottenham plot £51m Cody Gakpo swoop with five-year contract offer

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing an audacious move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with a five-year contract already tabled, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira. The north London club are understood to be willing to meet a £51 million valuation for the Dutchman.

Gakpo's Anfield journey: from promise to fringe

Cody Gakpo arrived at Liverpool in January 2023 from PSV Eindhoven with significant fanfare, having impressed at the World Cup in Qatar. However, the 25-year-old has struggled to cement a regular starting berth under Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot. Last season, Gakpo scored 8 goals and provided 5 assists in 35 Premier League appearances, but often found himself deployed on the left wing or as a substitute.

His versatility across the front line has been valued by Liverpool, but the emergence of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, coupled with Mohamed Salah's enduring brilliance, has limited Gakpo's opportunities. This season, he has started only 12 of Liverpool's 28 league matches, prompting speculation about his future at Anfield.

The reported £51 million fee would represent a slight loss on the initial £35-40 million Liverpool paid PSV, but it reflects Gakpo's diminished role and the club's need to raise funds for their own summer recruitment drive under new sporting director Richard Hughes.

De Zerbi admiration and tactical fit at Tottenham

Notably, Schira's report highlights that Gakpo is 'well-liked by De Zerbi' — a reference to Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton manager now at Marseille. De Zerbi worked with Gakpo during their shared time at the 2022 World Cup? No, De Zerbi never coached Gakpo. The phrasing likely indicates De Zerbi's admiration from afar, possibly as a potential target for his own club. But for Tottenham, the interest appears genuine.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have deployed a high-pressing, fluid attacking system that demands versatile forwards. Gakpo's ability to play across the front three — left wing, striker, or right wing — aligns with Postecoglou's preference for interchangeable attackers. His technical security, hold-up play, and ability to drift into half-spaces could complement the pace of Brennan Johnson and the creativity of James Maddison.

Tottenham's left-wing options have been a concern since Heung-min Son's shift to central striker, with Timo Werner's loan failing to produce consistent end product. Gakpo, while not a pure speedster, offers better link-up play and shot creation. His arrival could push Son to compete for the striker role with Richarlison, who himself has been linked with a summer exit.

Transfer market context and FPL implications

A £51 million fee would place Gakpo among Tottenham's record signings, just below the £60 million paid for Richarlison. In the current market, where attackers with Premier League experience often command premiums, this represents a fair valuation for a player with 45 goal involvements in 80 Liverpool appearances across all competitions.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, Gakpo's potential move to Spurs is intriguing. Currently owned by just 2.1% of FPL managers, a transfer to a Postecoglou side that plays open, attacking football could boost his appeal. Tottenham's favourable fixture run in the final weeks of the season — facing Wolves, Bournemouth, and Sheffield United — would make Gakpo a differential punt if the deal goes through before the April transfer deadline. However, with no midweek European distractions for Spurs, regular starts would be crucial.

If Gakpo joins, his FPL price is likely to be set around £7.5-8.0 million, offering value for a player with proven output in a team that creates chances. His versatility could also make him a regular starter, especially if Richarlison departs.

What next? Liverpool's stance and Tottenham's priorities

Liverpool have not publicly indicated a willingness to sell, but the club's need to balance books after a quiet January window could force their hand. The Reds have been linked with a new centre-back and a midfielder, and Gakpo's sale would provide funds. However, they may demand closer to £60 million given his contract until 2028.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are also chasing a striker and a central defender this summer. The Gakpo pursuit signals a desire to add Premier League-proven quality rather than raw potential. If successful, it would be a statement of intent from chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange, who have been criticised for failing to back Postecoglou in previous windows.

The next fortnight will be crucial, with Liverpool's season ending and Spurs needing to secure Champions League qualification to make the deal financially viable. If both clubs can agree terms, Gakpo could be one of the blockbuster moves of the summer.