Cody Gakpo has asked to leave Liverpool, and Tottenham are already working on a plan to bring him to north London. Dutch outlet SoccerNews reports that the winger wants out following Arne Slot's sacking, and Spurs are among the most serious suitors chasing his signature this summer.
It's a transfer that makes sense on paper. Gakpo was a passenger for much of Liverpool's fifth-place finish — a disappointing drop from the title-winning campaign the year before — and with Andoni Iraola now in charge at Anfield, his place in the squad is unclear. An exit makes sense for all sides.
Tottenham's summer is already moving fast
Spurs have confirmed Andy Robertson's arrival, with Marco Senesi set to follow from Bournemouth. David Ornstein has reported a bid for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, and Fabrizio Romano has described the pursuit of Manchester City winger Savinho as a deal effectively done. Gakpo would be fifth on that list — and the most eye-catching name of the lot.
The SoccerNews report is direct: "Tottenham Hotspur has a serious interest in Gakpo. They intend to try to pry the Dutchman away from Liverpool in the coming period." Roberto De Zerbi's project is the pitch. Whether Liverpool's asking price — for a player who underperformed last season — becomes a sticking point is the real question.
Clubs from Spain and Germany are reportedly interested too, so this won't be straightforward. Gakpo won't be cheap, even in a down year. Liverpool paid around £37 million for him in January 2023 and will want a profit or close to it.
Heskey's warning to Liverpool fans
Meanwhile, Emile Heskey has a message for the Anfield faithful who pushed for Slot's head. "That's modern football. The owners don't sack managers, the fans do," he told Betfred. "If Iraola comes in and loses a few games, are they going to sack him?"
He pointed at Arsenal's patience with Mikel Arteta through back-to-back eighth-place finishes as the model Liverpool should have followed. "Liverpool fans need to be careful what they wish for."
It's a fair point — and one that stings more if the players who underperformed under Slot, Gakpo included, are allowed to walk out the door before Iraola even gets a chance to work with them.
