Tottenham's Pursuit of Cody Gakpo Hits a Wall

Tottenham’s chase for Cody Gakpo has hit a brick wall – and Liverpool are the ones laying the bricks.

Across the summer, Spurs have circled around the Dutchman, testing the water and weighing up a move for a wide forward who hit seven goals and five assists in 36 Premier League games last season. On paper, he fits the brief: Premier League proven, in his prime at 27, and versatile across the frontline.

In reality, right now, it’s a non‑starter.

Liverpool shut the door – for now

Gakpo signed a new long-term contract at Anfield just a year ago, off the back of a strong 2024/25 campaign. That deal put Liverpool in complete control of his future, and they are acting like a club in no rush to cash in.

Their stance is blunt. Liverpool want to keep Gakpo. That only changes if they bring in attacking reinforcements – one, and ideally two, attack-minded players. Until then, any club trying to prise him away is wasting their time.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Hawksbee & Baker, Ben Jacobs relayed the message coming out of Anfield. Negotiating for Gakpo now has been described by sources as a “fool’s errand”. Liverpool are prepared to reject everything until they know replacements are on the way.

The market only strengthens their hand. With fees spiralling across Europe, Liverpool would point to recent deals to justify a hefty valuation if Spurs ever do get close to serious talks. Any bid will be measured against an inflated landscape, not last summer’s prices.

The transfer dominoes Liverpool need

For Tottenham, the frustration is that Liverpool’s attack is already under review – just not quickly enough to help them yet.

Bradley Barcola is the name at the top of their list. Liverpool are expected to place an opening offer for the Paris Saint‑Germain winger. Barcola has not agreed personal terms, but the France international is keen on the move, and that gives Liverpool leverage as they work through negotiations.

He is not the only option. There is interest in Ibrahim Mbaye and other attacking profiles as Liverpool look to refresh the forward line and protect themselves against any late-window upheaval.

Only when those pieces fall into place does Gakpo’s situation move. The sense around the club is that two forwards would need to arrive before Liverpool even think about softening their stance. Mid-August and beyond is the period being watched. Not today, not tomorrow – this is one for the second half of the window, if it happens at all.

Until then, Tottenham can admire, monitor, and plan. They just can’t progress.

Spurs push on with Savinho – but City dig in

Gakpo is not the only wide attacker on Spurs’ radar. Their interest in Savinho is very real, and in this chase, the player is already on their side.

talkSPORT understands Savinho has informed Manchester City he wants to join Tottenham this summer. He wanted the move a year ago when Spurs first came calling and has maintained that stance as talks between the clubs have rumbled on through this window.

Desire, though, is only one part of the equation. City’s board currently do not want to sell. Their position is firm: Savinho is not available, even as they explore the possibility of bringing in another attacker of their own.

The issue here is not the fee. Those close to the talks suggest this is less about finances and more about City’s wider planning. They would need to line up a replacement before they even consider sanctioning a deal. Until that happens, Tottenham are effectively stuck in a holding pattern.

Tottenham’s attacking puzzle

So Spurs find themselves in a familiar modern predicament. Two clear attacking targets. Two selling clubs refusing to sell – at least for now.

On one front, Liverpool are prepared to shut down any Gakpo discussion until their own business is done. On the other, City are standing firm on Savinho despite the player’s wish to leave.

Tottenham remain serious about Gakpo. Their work on Savinho continues in parallel. The intent is not in doubt.

The question is whether the market will finally bend to that intent before the window slams shut, or whether this becomes another summer defined by the deals that almost happened.