Tottenham Leads £72 Million Race for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo as Reds Target Barcola
The North London club has emerged as the frontrunner for the Dutch attacker as Liverpool clears space for a record pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.
LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur has emerged as the frontrunner to sign Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo, with the Merseyside club prepared to consider offers of around £72 million for the Dutch international, according to reports.
The £72 million asking price for the 27-year-old has been benchmarked against the fee paid by Barcelona for winger Anthony Gordon earlier this summer, as reported by Anfield Watch. Liverpool’s willingness to sanction Gakpo’s departure comes as the club identifies Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as its primary summer target, a potential transfer that could demand a club-record investment.
Spurs have positioned themselves as the top contender for Gakpo’s signature following reporting from Paul O’Keefe. The move aligns with head coach Roberto De Zerbi’s priorities to finalize Tottenham’s attack by bringing in a natural left winger and a central forward, having already overhauled the squad’s midfield and defensive ranks.
Gakpo recorded nine goals and six assists in all competitions for Liverpool last season, though his tenure at Anfield has been marked by positional rotation between the central striker role and the left flank. Under De Zerbi, the Netherlands international—who impressed operating on the wing at the World Cup—would be slated for a consistent starting role on Tottenham’s left side to maximize his aerial strength and direct cutting runs.
A potential hurdle remains Tottenham’s inability to offer Champions League football next season, which could influence Gakpo’s willingness to depart Anfield despite the prospect of a guaranteed starting place in North London.
