Liverpool Firm on Cody Gakpo as Spurs Pursue Savinho
Liverpool look ready to slam the door on Tottenham’s pursuit of Cody Gakpo – and that could push Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs headlong into an £85million gamble on Savinho instead.
Liverpool dig in over Gakpo
Tottenham have been circling Gakpo all summer. Personal terms are understood to be agreed, the player has told Liverpool he wants to leave, and Spurs have been lining up a £60m offer for the 27-year-old, who can operate across the front line.
Liverpool’s stance is the problem.
The Anfield club value Gakpo at a minimum of £60m and potentially closer to £70m. They know his first full campaign in England was patchy, but they also saw him rediscover his edge on the biggest stage, hitting three goals at the World Cup before the Netherlands’ shock exit to Morocco. That tournament reminded everyone what he can be when his confidence flows.
And inside Liverpool, belief in Gakpo is rising again.
talkSPORT’s transfer reporter Alex Crook says the mood around the player under new boss Andoni Iraola has shifted.
“Speaking to sources at Liverpool they think he’s had a good pre-season under Iraola, they think he’s a player that Iraola can get the best out of,” Crook told Last Word on Spurs, adding that while Gakpo “probably would be open to the move,” he does not expect the transfer to happen before deadline day.
So Tottenham may have an attacker who wants the move, a fee lined up, and a manager pushing – but a selling club that has decided now is the wrong time to cash in.
De Zerbi turns the screw on Savinho chase
That resistance leaves De Zerbi and Spurs ready to go all-in on their other major wide target: Savinho.
Tottenham have already retooled their defence and midfield for the Italian coach. Now De Zerbi wants his wingers. He has asked for both Gakpo and Savinho, seeing the pair as flexible, high-ceiling forwards who can shift across the front three and raise the technical level of his attack.
If Gakpo is blocked, Savinho becomes the priority.
Spurs have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian and have been here before. They held talks last summer but could not persuade Manchester City to sell. City then tied Savinho down to a new deal at the Etihad, a clear sign of how highly they rate the 22-year-old.
This time, though, Tottenham sense an opening.
Spurs weigh up huge £85m swing
According to The Times, Spurs are in active discussions with City over a blockbuster £85m move for Savinho. Only a few weeks ago, the expectation was that any deal would sit in the £60–65m bracket. The numbers have ballooned.
If Tottenham want him now, they will have to pay for the privilege.
Recent business suggests they might. The captures of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have already underlined the club’s willingness to back De Zerbi with serious money as they chase a return to European competition.
The equation is stark. Liverpool look set to keep Gakpo and hand Iraola a revitalised forward. Tottenham, shut out there, may respond by pushing their chips to the middle of the table for Savinho.
For De Zerbi’s new era in north London, that could be the defining swing of the summer.
