Tottenham Hotspur is putting together a significant offer for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, signaling a clear shift in the club's approach under new manager De Zerbi. The move is part of a wider squad reshaping that began after De Zerbi took over, aiming to inject pace and directness into the attack.
De Zerbi’s squad reshaping
Since arriving at Tottenham, De Zerbi has made no secret of his desire to overhaul the squad. The Italian coach wants players who can press high, move the ball quickly, and stretch defenses. Gakpo fits that mold. The 25-year-old Dutch international has shown he can play across the front line, both as a winger and as a central striker. Tottenham’s offer, still in preparation, is expected to test Liverpool’s resolve to keep the player.
Sources close to the club say De Zerbi has identified Gakpo as a priority target for the upcoming transfer window. The manager’s track record at previous clubs suggests he won’t hesitate to move on players who don’t fit his system, making this a potentially busy summer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Why Gakpo fits the plan
Gakpo joined Liverpool in January 2023 and has had an uneven spell on Merseyside. He scored 7 goals in the Premier League last season, but his overall influence has fluctuated. For Tottenham, the appeal is clear: a versatile forward who can operate on the left or through the middle, comfortable in tight spaces and clinical in transition.
Under De Zerbi, the team is expected to play with more verticality and less possession for possession’s sake. Gakpo’s ability to run in behind and link play makes him a natural fit. The club’s recruitment team has been tracking him since before the manager’s arrival, and the timing now appears right to make a move.
What this means for the Premier League
A deal of this scale would send a signal. Tottenham, long seen as a club that struggles to compete financially with the top spenders, is preparing to flex its resources. If the offer goes through, it would not only strengthen Tottenham but also weaken a direct rival for European places. Liverpool, meanwhile, faces a decision on a player who hasn’t fully settled but still has clear potential.
The broader effect could be a shift in the balance of power in the Premier League. Tottenham has traditionally lagged behind the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, and Arsenal in spending power. A successful bid for Gakpo would suggest that is changing. Other clubs will watch closely to see if De Zerbi’s vision translates into transfer market action.
The offer is still being finalized, and negotiations with Liverpool are expected to begin in the coming weeks. For now, Tottenham supporters are waiting to see if the rumored ambition becomes a signed contract.
