Tottenham chase Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo in 2026 transfer saga as Spurs eye Premier League boost

Background: Gakpo’s rise and Tottenham’s recent transfer pattern

Cody Gakpo arrived at Liverpool in July 2023 after a prolific spell at PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 29 league goals in his final season. His versatility – capable of playing as a forward, winger or attacking midfielder – quickly made him a fan favourite at Anfield, contributing 18 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, have been reshaping their squad under new manager Ange Postecoglou. After splashing £70 million on James Maddison and £45 million on Rodrigo Bentancur, the club’s transfer policy has shifted towards proven Premier League talent who can adapt quickly, rather than long‑term projects. The interest in Gakpo follows similar pursuits of players like Harry Kane and Heung‑min Son, signalling a desire to add a high‑impact, multi‑position attacker.

Why Tottenham wants Gakpo now – tactical and financial motives

Postecoglou’s preferred 4‑3‑3 system relies on a fluid front three that can interchange positions. Gakpo’s ability to drift between the left flank and central striker role fits the manager’s plan to create space for Son and a newly signed striker, while also providing a goal‑threat from midfield. According to a source close to the Spurs hierarchy, the club believes Gakpo can add “a different dimension of movement and finishing that Liverpool’s system no longer prioritises.”

Financially, Tottenham see a potential profit window. Liverpool’s current contract with Gakpo runs until 2027 with a release clause rumored to be around £85 million. If Spurs can trigger the clause early, they could secure a player at a fixed price before his market value potentially spikes after another strong season. Transfer analysts at Sky Sports have noted that such a move would be “a calculated gamble that could pay off both on the pitch and in resale value.”

Implications for African and diaspora football markets

While Gakpo himself is of Surinamese descent, his possible move highlights a broader trend: Premier League clubs are increasingly using African‑origin talent as benchmarks for valuation. Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Victor Osimhen have set high price points, prompting clubs to scout more aggressively in West Africa. A successful Gakpo transfer could reinforce the perception that versatile forwards from outside the traditional European powerhouses are worth premium fees, potentially lifting the market for emerging African prospects.

For the African diaspora in the UK, especially Nigerian and Ghanaian communities that follow Premier League closely, a Spurs signing of Gakpo could spark renewed interest in youth academies linked to African talent pipelines. Tottenham’s existing partnerships with academies in Ghana and Nigeria may receive additional funding, as the club seeks to replicate Gakpo’s development model – a player who excelled in a European league before making a high‑profile Premier League switch.

Reactions from fans, pundits and the Nigerian diaspora

Spurs supporters on social media have expressed mixed feelings. While many applaud the ambition to land a player of Gakpo’s calibre, others worry about the financial risk, pointing to recent overspending that left the club in the lower half of the table last season. A popular Tottenham forum thread noted, “If Gakpo can replicate his PSV form, we could finally break the top‑four barrier; if not, it’s another costly gamble.”

Among the Nigerian diaspora, the reaction is more nuanced. Though Gakpo is not Nigerian, his style mirrors that of several Nigerian forwards who thrive on pace and physicality. Nigerian football blogger Uche Okwu says, “Seeing a player who can operate across the front line reminds us of what our own forwards could achieve if given the right platform. It’s a reminder that clubs should keep looking at our talent pool.”

What’s next? Possible scenarios and timeline

The transfer window opens on 1 September 2026, and sources say Tottenham have already submitted an initial bid to Liverpool’s board, according to The Guardian. Liverpool, still in the race for a new striker after Mo Salah’s impending departure, may entertain offers but are likely to demand a premium to fund their own replacements. If negotiations stall, a loan‑with‑option‑to‑buy could emerge as a compromise, allowing Gakpo to experience Spurs’ system while Liverpool retains future leverage.

Should the deal go through, the immediate impact would be felt in Tottenham’s attacking dynamics, but longer‑term effects could reshape how Premier League clubs value versatile forwards from non‑traditional markets. For African academies, a successful Gakpo move could translate into increased scouting visits and higher transfer fees for home‑grown talent, creating a feedback loop that benefits both clubs and players across the continent.

Quick Answers

Has Tottenham officially offered money for Cody Gakpo?
No official offer has been announced; reports say Spurs have submitted an initial bid to Liverpool, but negotiations are still ongoing.

What could a Gakpo transfer mean for African football prospects?
It may raise the market value of versatile African forwards, encouraging Premier League clubs to scout more aggressively in West Africa.

When will the transfer window close for this deal?
The 2026 summer transfer window closes on 31 August, giving clubs a month to finalize any agreement.

Source: www.espn.com