Gakpo" - Why Tottenham Want Liverpool Forward Cody Gakpo

Why Tottenham Are Circling Liverpool Forward Cody Gakpo in 2026 Cody Gakpo isn't exactly the name you expect to see linked with a blockbuster January move. But here we are, with Tottenham reportedly weighing up a bid for the Liverpool forward who's spent most of this season watching from the stands. It sounds strange, even to write it. A player who barely featured for Liverpool in 2025-26 suddenly becomes a target for a top-six side?

That's the kind of transfer rumor that makes you pause mid-scroll. But dig a little deeper, and Tottenham's interest in Gakpo actually makes sense. The short version: Gakpo has something Tottenham desperately need, and his price might be lower than it should be. What Makes Gakpo Different Gakpo isn't your typical Premier League forward.

At 26, he's built like a center-back who learned to play attack, and he brings a physical presence that's increasingly rare in an era of winger-forwards who look like they'd break in a strong breeze. The Physical Profile Standing at 6'3", Gakpo wins headers the way other players win tackles. He's strong in possession, quick enough to stretch play, and comfortable dropping deep to link up play. That's a combination that's hard to find among players who primarily operate in the opposition penalty area.

Tactical Flexibility Here's what most casual observers miss: Gakpo can play across the front line. Left wing, right wing, central striker – he's done it all at Liverpool, even if the sample size has been limited. For a Tottenham side that's struggled with injuries and tactical reshuffling, that versatility is gold. The X-Factor: Left Foot Gakpo's left foot is genuinely special.

Not flashy-special, but the kind of reliable, powerful delivery that creates chances without anyone noticing until the ball's in the net. He's scored some crucial goals for Liverpool, particularly in cup competitions, often coming off the bench to change a game. Why Tottenham Need Him Tottenham's attacking options have been. inconsistent.

Let's be honest. They've got pace out wide, but when it comes to a focal point up front, they've been scrambling. The Backup Striker Problem Heung-Min Son is 32 now. Bissouma and Kulusevski are wingers, not strikers.

And while Dominic Solanke has been solid since his arrival, Tottenham need genuine competition and cover. Gakpo offers that. Ange Postecoglou's System Postecoglou loves players who can interchange positions fluidly. Gakpo's ability to drift between lines, drop deep, and still pose a goal threat fits perfectly with how Spurs want to play.

He's not just a target man – he's a thinking player's forward. Set-Piece Weaponry In a season where margins are tiny, having another aerial threat on set-pieces matters. Gakpo won headers consistently in the Eredivisie and has shown that ability in England too. Tottenham's set-piece routines could benefit from his presence.

How Gakpo's Value Dropped This is where it gets interesting. Gakpo arrived at Liverpool in January 2023 for £37m, hailed as the solution to their attacking problems. Two and a half years later, he's been a bit-part player. The Timing Problem Gakpo joined during a transitional period.

Liverpool were shifting systems, then Klopp left, then Slot came in with his own ideas. The new manager preferred different profiles, and suddenly Gakpo found himself behind Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Mohamed Salah in the pecking order. Limited Opportunities In 2025-26, Gakpo made just 12 Premier League appearances, starting four. That's not enough for a player of his quality to find rhythm.

When you're not playing regularly, your value in the transfer market takes a hit. Wage Considerations At Liverpool, Gakpo was earning around £120,000 per week. For Tottenham, that's manageable but represents a significant portion of their wage budget. Nonetheless, if they can get him on a reduced salary or a loan deal initially, it becomes much more attractive.

What Tottenham Would Be Getting what Gakpo actually brings to the table, beyond the obvious physical attributes. Proven Goalscorer In the Eredivisie, Gakpo scored 45 goals in 102 games for PSV Eindhoven. That's a strike rate that translates well to the Premier League, even if the sample size in England has been smaller. He's got 11 goals in 47 Liverpool appearances across all competitions.

Work Rate and Intelligence Gakpo tracks back consistently. He's not lazy by any stretch, and his movement intelligence means he creates space for teammates even when he's not scoring himself. That's the kind of subtle contribution that doesn't always show up in highlight reels. Leadership Qualities Those who work with him speak highly of his professionalism.

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In a Tottenham dressing room that's been through its own turbulence, having a player with Premier League experience and a winning mentality from his time in Holland could be valuable. Common Mistakes in Evaluating Gakpo Transfer rumors tend to oversimplify players. Gakpo deserves better analysis than that. He's Not Just a Target Man People see 6'3" and assume he's a classic number nine.

That's wrong. Gakpo is at his best when he's moving, when he's linking play, when he's using his brain as much as his body. Reduce him to just an aerial presence and you're missing the point entirely. Age Isn't a Concern At 26, Gakpo is entering his prime years.

He's not some young prospect with potential – he's a developed player who's still improving. That's exactly what Tottenham need: someone ready to contribute immediately. Don't Overlook the Mental Side Coming to a new club after limited action elsewhere takes mental strength. Gakpo has shown he can handle pressure, having performed in big European nights for Liverpool.

That resilience is worth more than people realize. How This Move Could Actually Work If Tottenham do pursue Gakpo, there are smart ways to approach it. Loan First, Then Buy Given his limited game time at Liverpool, a loan deal makes sense. Tottenham could evaluate him in their system, see how he fits, and then decide on a permanent move.

It reduces risk on both sides. Tactical Integration Postecoglou should use Gakpo's versatility. Start him on the left, move him central, let him drift inside. The key is giving him consistent minutes – something he hasn't had at Liverpool.

Managing Expectations Gakpo isn't going to be a 25-goal striker overnight. But if he can provide 12-15 goals and create chances for others, that's a successful first season for Tottenham. The Bigger Picture This potential move reflects something bigger about the January 2026 transfer window. Clubs are looking for value, for players who can make an immediate impact without breaking the bank.

Gakpo fits that profile. Market Realities With Financial Fair Play regulations tightening, clubs need to be smarter about transfers. Gakpo's situation – a talented player available at a reduced rate due to circumstances rather than ability – represents exactly the kind of opportunity that savvy clubs should pursue. Squad Building Philosophy Tottenham's approach seems to be about adding quality depth rather than making marquee signings.

Gakpo fits that model perfectly. He's not a superstar, but he's a player who could genuinely improve their squad. Long-Term Vision If this works out, Gakpo could be part of Tottenham's project for years to come. At 26, he's not a short-term fix – he's a building block.

FAQ: Gakpo to Tottenham Questions Is Cody Gakpo actually available? Liverpool haven't officially listed him as transfer-listed, but his limited playing time suggests they'd listen to offers. How much would Gakpo cost? Given his reduced role, probably £20-25m rather than the £37m Liverpool paid.

Can Gakpo play regularly at Tottenham? Yes, especially if Son needs rotation or if Postecoglou wants tactical flexibility. Would Gakpo start ahead of Dominic Solanke? Unlikely initially, but competition would push both players to improve.

Is this good business for Tottenham? If Gakpo regains his form, absolutely. The risk is relatively low for the potential reward. What This Says About Modern Football The Gakpo situation illustrates how quickly things can change in football.

A player hailed as a major signing can become surplus to requirements within two years, not because of poor performance but because of shifting priorities and tactical evolution. For Tottenham, taking a chance on Gakpo represents smart recruitment.