Tottenham in Talks With Cody Gakpo as Michael Owen Evaluates Liverpool Exit

Tottenham Target Cody Gakpo Amid Direct Talks

Spurs could face a significant financial outlay to secure the 27-year-old Netherlands international. Liverpool stand to make a healthy profit if a sale is sanctioned, with suggestions that Gakpo could command up to £70 million ($94m), having originally arrived on Merseyside for less than £45m ($61m) (Yahoo Sports). Gakpo also has four years remaining on his current deal (Sky Sports), having signed a five-year contract in the summer of 2025 (Yahoo Sports).

Michael Owen Evaluates Liverpool Future and Form

Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen offered a mixed assessment of Gakpo’s time at Anfield, pointing to inconsistency during a disappointing team campaign (Yahoo Sports). Well, he was consistent last year, but consistently poor, Owen told GOAL, noting that while the forward had a strong opening stretch, his performances for the rest of the season were pretty poor (Yahoo Sports).

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Owen added that while Gakpo has proven over time that he is a very effective player, any potential exit depends heavily on Liverpool securing a replacement (Yahoo Sports). With Mohamed Salah having already left Anfield (Yahoo Sports), the Reds would not be willing to let Gakpo depart without bringing in reinforcements first (Sky Sports). Liverpool have been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League-winning forward Bradley Barcola (Yahoo Sports).

Statistical Comparison and Tactical Profile

Despite playing in a Liverpool side whose Premier League title defence ended with a fifth-place finish, Gakpo finished the previous campaign outperforming several of Tottenham’s existing forward options across major attacking metrics (BBC Sport). Gakpo recorded a higher expected-goals total (8.59), more shots (87), more assists (five), and more big chances created (10) than any Spurs forward (BBC Sport).

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Furthermore, Gakpo registered 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, alongside 4.17 expected assists from open play (BBC Sport). He also contributed defensively, regaining possession 87 times and making 13 interceptions (BBC Sport). Standing at 6ft 4in, Gakpo ranks in the 96th percentile for aerial volume among positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, offering a distinct physical presence that could give De Zerbi an alternative tactical option against deep defensive blocks (BBC Sport).

Tottenham’s Wider Summer Transfer Plans

De Zerbi revealed that Tottenham have already spent £237m during the summer transfer window (Sky Sports). The club brought in Sandro Tonali for a club-record £100m following the addition of Mateus Fernandes for £85m (Sky Sports). The Spurs manager indicated that the club could still add two or three more players before the window closes (Sky Sports).

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Alongside their pursuit of Gakpo, Tottenham have explored a potential deal for Manchester City winger Savinho, though City await a formal bid (Sky Sports). Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over other members of the Spurs squad, with Atletico Madrid and Inter expressing interest in Tottenham captain Cristian Romero (Sky Sports).