Tottenham Hit With Huge Cody Gakpo Warning as Liverpool Set to Slam Door Shut on Spurs Transfer Push
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major reality check in their pursuit of Liverpool star Cody Gakpo, with the Reds reportedly making it clear that Spurs could face an uphill battle if they try to prise the Netherlands international away from Anfield this summer.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham are understood to have maintained a strong interest in Gakpo throughout the transfer window as the Italian boss continues his ambitious rebuild in north London. However, despite Spurs’ growing determination to strengthen their attack, Liverpool currently have absolutely no intention of making life easy for them.
In fact, talkSPORT understands that trying to negotiate Gakpo’s departure at this stage has been described by sources as a “fool’s errand”.
That blunt assessment underlines just how difficult Tottenham’s task could become.
Gakpo enjoyed another productive Premier League campaign last season, scoring seven goals and registering five assists in 36 appearances. The 27-year-old has also established himself as an important part of Liverpool’s attacking options and signed a new long-term contract at Anfield only around 12 months ago.
As a result, Liverpool are under no pressure whatsoever to sell.
Liverpool Have One Major Condition
The Reds’ current position is understood to be straightforward: Gakpo stays unless they first find a suitable replacement — or potentially two attacking reinforcements.
That could leave Tottenham waiting until the final weeks of the transfer window if they genuinely want to test Liverpool’s resolve.
talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs provided a major update on Thursday, explaining that Liverpool’s preference remains firmly focused on keeping Gakpo.
“Liverpool’s preference is to keep hold of Gakpo,” Jacobs explained, adding that the situation is unlikely to change unless the club brings in one or even two attack-minded players.
That means Spurs could potentially have to wait until the middle or latter stages of August before there is any realistic chance of Liverpool entertaining negotiations.
And even then, there is no guarantee the door will open.
Spurs Could Face A Huge Price Tag
Tottenham’s interest is serious, but Liverpool are reportedly prepared to use the current inflated transfer market to justify an enormous valuation should Spurs eventually make an offer.
Recent eye-watering deals across European football could give the Reds plenty of ammunition when it comes to determining Gakpo’s price.
Liverpool therefore appear to be in a powerful negotiating position.
They do not need to sell.
They have Gakpo under a long-term contract.
And they have already made it clear that they will reject approaches while they remain uncertain about their own attacking options.
For Tottenham, that could be a nightmare scenario.
De Zerbi wants to add more quality and firepower to his squad, and Gakpo is believed to be one of the names high on the club’s radar. But the longer Liverpool delay a decision, the more difficult it could become for Spurs to plan their transfer strategy.
Bradley Barcola Could Hold The Key
One of the biggest factors behind Liverpool’s stance is Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool are expected to make an opening offer for the French attacker as they explore their own attacking reinforcements. Jacobs indicated that Barcola is viewed as a top target, while Ibrahim Mbaye is another player attracting interest.
If Liverpool manage to bring in the players they want, Gakpo’s situation could potentially change.
But until that happens, Tottenham may simply be wasting their time trying to force negotiations.
Jacobs suggested that Liverpool could need to add one, if not two, attack-minded players before seriously considering Gakpo’s departure.
That would leave Spurs facing a frustrating waiting game.
Savinho Situation Adds Another Twist
Tottenham are also continuing to work on Savinho, meaning De Zerbi’s attacking plans could involve more than one major move.
However, there is another obstacle standing in the way.
Manchester City are currently unwilling to part ways with Savinho, although that position could potentially change if they secure a replacement.
Talks between City and Tottenham have reportedly continued throughout the summer, meaning Spurs could find themselves trying to unlock two complicated attacking transfers at the same time.
For De Zerbi, the message is clear: Tottenham’s ambitions are huge, but the biggest targets will not be easy to land.
Gakpo Transfer Could Go Down To The Wire
For now, Liverpool remain firmly in control of the Gakpo situation.
Tottenham may be serious, but Liverpool appear even more serious about keeping their star forward.
Unless the Reds strengthen their attack first, Spurs are unlikely to get anywhere with an approach.
That could change dramatically later in the window if Liverpool secure their preferred targets.
But until then, Tottenham have effectively been warned: trying to sign Cody Gakpo right now could be one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer.
And if Liverpool eventually decide to sell, Spurs may have to pay a staggering premium to convince the Reds to let one of their key attacking players walk away from Anfield.
