Cody Gakpo is on Tottenham's radar because the profile is unusually useful. He can start from the left, move inside and still affect the game in the box, and his output last season backed that up with 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, 4.17 expected assists from open play and 87 shots.
Tottenham's case for Gakpo
The appeal is not just that Gakpo scores. His 2.2 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes were bettered by only seven wingers across Europe's top five leagues, and he was caught offside 30 times in the Premier League last season, more than any other player. That is the risk side of an aggressive forward, but it also shows how often he is arriving in dangerous spots.
BBC Sport's analysis put it plainly: "Although he has played most of his football for Liverpool from the left, he has regularly been used as a central striker, false nine and second forward." That kind of flexibility is exactly what Tottenham are buying into. In the Spurs forward comparison group, his 4.17 expected assists from open play was the highest figure, and he also created 10 big chances.
He ranked in the 98th percentile for shot frequency, which fits a team looking for more end-product from wide and central channels. Gakpo is not a one-job forward, and that is the point.
Liverpool's reluctance to sell
Liverpool have a clear reason to be cautious. Gakpo scored 18 goals in all competitions in Liverpool's title-winning 2024-25 season, made 52 appearances in Arne Slot's final season at the club, and has 50 goals and 23 assists from 180 appearances overall.
The Liverpool Echo's analysis argued: "To let him go this summer, rather than allowing him to consider his options next year, would leave Virgil van Dijk - a centre-back - as the Reds' highest-scoring current player." That is the blunt part of the issue, because it shows how quickly the attacking depth would look thinner without him.
There is also a tactical disagreement over how Liverpool should read him. BBC Sport's angle leans on the wide-to-central flexibility, while the Echo view is more about his value as a forward who already delivers across a full season. Both readings point in the same direction for Liverpool: they would need a serious offer to even consider it.
Tottenham's interest makes sense because Gakpo offers creation, volume and positional cover in one player. Liverpool's hesitation makes sense for the same reason. The move is not done, and until an offer changes the picture, Gakpo remains a useful forward who would alter both squads in different ways.
FAQ
Why are Tottenham interested in Cody Gakpo?
Tottenham like Gakpo because his numbers point to a high-volume forward with box presence and chance creation. He posted 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, 4.17 expected assists from open play, 87 shots and 10 big chances created. He also offers flexibility across the left flank and central roles.
Would Liverpool really sell Cody Gakpo this summer?
Liverpool's reluctance is easy to understand. Gakpo scored 18 goals in all competitions in Liverpool's title-winning 2024-25 season, made 52 appearances and has 50 goals and 23 assists from 180 appearances. Selling him would weaken their attacking depth further.
How does Cody Gakpo compare with Tottenham's current forwards?
The comparison points Tottenham toward Gakpo. His 4.17 expected assists from open play were the highest in the Spurs forward comparison group, and his shot volume and box touches suggest more end-product threat than a purely wide or purely linking option.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
