Tottenham's Pursuit of Cody Gakpo: A New Era Under De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi has wasted no time reshaping Tottenham in his own image. The defence has already been ripped up and rebuilt with three new arrivals, and now his gaze has shifted to the heart of the pitch and the sharp end of the attack. Spurs want a marquee name to underline the new era – and they are not hiding it.

A £75million bid for Sandro Tonali has already been knocked back by Newcastle United, a clear signal that Tottenham are willing to punch at the top end of the market for a central midfielder. They are also pursuing West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes as they look to add depth and variety behind the forwards.

But the real intrigue sits higher up the pitch.

Spurs circle as Gakpo’s future hangs in the balance

While talks continue with Manchester City over a deal for Savinho, another name has been pushed firmly into the frame: Cody Gakpo.

The Liverpool forward, 27, barely missed a beat in the Premier League last season. He sat out only two games through injury and started 32 of his 36 league appearances under Arne Slot, a mainstay in a side undergoing its own transition. Seven goals, five assists – a direct goal contribution roughly every three matches. Not spectacular on paper, but reliable, and often involved in the flow of Liverpool’s attacking play.

On the international stage, his stock is climbing again. Ronald Koeman has made him a central piece of his Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and Gakpo has responded. He has already scored twice and set up another in a ruthless 5-1 win over Sweden in the group stage, a performance that sharpened interest and, inevitably, raised his price.

That is exactly where the tension lies. His future at Anfield is uncertain, with reports indicating Liverpool are at least willing to listen to offers this summer. They paid between £35million and £45million for him in January 2023 and, if they cash in, they will expect to recoup that fee and more.

Liverpool, though, are under no pressure to sell. Gakpo signed a lucrative extension in the north west only last summer, believed to be worth around £250,000 a week, and he still has four years left on that deal. Contractually, Liverpool hold every card. The better he plays at the World Cup, the stronger their hand becomes.

A deal on Tottenham’s terms – or Liverpool’s?

That is the landscape Tottenham are trying to navigate. The interest is real. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Spurs are among the clubs actively exploring whether a deal for Gakpo can be done in this window.

His message, though, came with a clear caveat. Liverpool have not yet given any green light to a sale and remain happy with the Dutchman. The decision, when it comes, will be theirs – and it will not be rushed while the World Cup is in full swing.

So Tottenham wait. De Zerbi wants more firepower. Spurs want a statement. Gakpo is delivering on the biggest stage of all, with every goal and assist adding another layer to an already complex negotiation.

At some point, Liverpool will have to decide: keep a versatile forward thriving for club and country, or cash in at the peak of his value and reshape their own attack. And when that moment arrives, will Tottenham be ready to pay the price that form, contract and ambition now demand?