Cody Gakpo: Is He Suitable for Tottenham?
August 6, 2026 ·
Tottenham are interested in recruiting Cody Gakpo from Liverpool. With his tactical versatility and impressive stats, Gakpo could be a great choice for Spurs.
Cody Gakpo: Is He Suitable for Tottenham?
According to Sports.
Background
Cody Gakpo, who previously experienced a disappointing performance at the World Cup, is now in the spotlight in the Premier League. With the ability to play in a variety of positions, he is expected to be a valuable asset for Tottenham if a transfer materializes, while Liverpool must consider the impact of losing key players up front.
Why this is important
Tottenham's interest in Cody Gakpo shows their ambition to strengthen their attack line, especially after losing Mohamed Salah. Gakpo, with his tactical flexibility, can provide a new dimension to Spurs' game, which is expected to improve their performance in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Liverpool are trying to maintain the strength of their squad, making this situation even more interesting.
Main Points
- Cody Gakpo: Is He Suitable for Tottenham?
- Tottenham are interested in recruiting Cody Gakpo from Liverpool.
- A wanted man - but would Liverpool's Gakpo be a good fit at Spurs?
Cody Gakpo started the season after a disappointing showing at the World Cup with the Netherlands. Tottenham Hotspur is considering recruiting Liverpool striker, Cody Gakpo, in line with coach Roberto de Zerbi's efforts to overhaul his squad. However, the negotiation process will not be that easy. Liverpool are reluctant to weaken their attacking options, especially after the departure of Mohamed Salah and with Hugo Ekitike still recovering from an Achilles injury. Liverpool are also chasing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but if Barcola arrives, they will still lose one of their experienced strikers.
So, why are Spurs interested? And what data shows Gakpo's contribution to De Zerbi's team? On the surface, Gakpo looks like an ordinary left winger. However, it actually offers much greater tactical flexibility. Although he mostly plays on Liverpool's left wing position, the Dutch international is often played as a center forward, false nine and second striker. De Zerbi reportedly sees him as a player capable of operating in the middle, linking play before releasing players running forward. This profile fits De Zerbi's playing philosophy perfectly.
Instead of relying on traditional strikers, De Zerbi often asks his attackers to clear central space, collaborate with midfielders, and create space for wingers to attack. Gakpo has the technical quality, close control and positional intelligence to carry out the task, as well as providing support on the left flank. His versatility will also provide valuable insurance for Tottenham in various positions. Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel are natural centre-forwards, but neither has the ability to switch seamlessly between wing and centre.
Gakpo's 2025-26 season generated mixed opinions among Liverpool supporters, with his seven goals in the Premier League being his lowest recorded in a full season at Anfield. However, in-depth data shows a much more positive picture. Despite Liverpool's collective struggles, Gakpo remains one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe when it comes to creating goal-scoring opportunities. Only seven wingers in Europe's top five leagues average more touches in the opponent's penalty area than his 2.2 touches per 90 minutes. He also ranks in the top 10 for open-play shots and chances created.
The comparative profile of the players reinforces this strength. Compared to his peers in Europe's top five leagues, Gakpo is in the 98th percentile for shot frequency, 96th for follow-up involvement and 91st for threat in the penalty area. In other words, very few wingers are involved in dangerous attacking situations more often. These numbers are driven by his desire to attack the space behind the defence. Gakpo was caught offside 30 times in the Premier League last season, more than any other player, showing how often he looks for goalscoring opportunities by running past the last defender.
At his best, Gakpo often attacked the back post, timed his runs into the penalty area intelligently, and arrived in central positions despite starting on the left wing. Meanwhile, although he endured a difficult season, Gakpo scored regularly for Liverpool as they won the title in the 2024-25 season with a total of 18 goals in all competitions. Comparisons with existing Tottenham strikers help explain the interest. Gakpo finished last season with a higher total of expected goals (8.59), more shots (87), more assists (five) and more big chances created (10) than any of Spurs' attacking options, despite playing in a Liverpool team that finished their Premier League title defense in fifth.
Richarlison scored more league goals, but attempted 26 fewer shots and created only half the big chances. Solanke, limited by injury, managed just 20 shots and one big chance created, while Tel also lacked in several key attacking metrics. Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Spurs before joining Juventus this summer, is also behind in output compared to Gakpo.
This contrast extends beyond goals and shots. Gakpo recorded 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared to 125 for Richarlison, 68 for Tel and 55 for Solanke. His expected assists from open play is also the highest among the four, which shows his ability to create opportunities while finding his own goal-scoring positions. He also provides defensive value. Gakpo managed to regain possession 87 times, including 45 in the middle third, and made 13 interceptions. All of these totals are higher than those recorded by Richarlison, Tel, and Solanke. Tel completed more dribbles, with 39 to Gakpo's 34, although Gakpo had a slightly better success rate at 45.95%.
The broader profile reflects this. Gakpo is in the 78th percentile for linking play, 75th for pass progression, and 67th for creative threat, showing his comfort in collaborating in tight spaces and contributing to build-up play. At 193 cm, he also provides a physical presence that is uncommon among wing attackers. Gakpo is in the 96th percentile for air volume compared to his peers in Europe's top five leagues, meaning only around 4% of wingers are competing in air ball at a higher level. This would give De Zerbi another route against deep defensive blocks, via diagonal passes, back post crosses or direct passes when the opposition restricts Spurs' build-up play.
These characteristics also explain why Liverpool are not actively looking to offload him. Despite some frustrations regarding his performances last season, Gakpo remains one of the most established strikers in the squad. Losing him and Salah in the same transfer window would reduce Liverpool's attacking depth significantly, especially while Ekitike works his way back from injury. Even if the Reds complete a move for Barcola, much will still depend on newcomer Victor Munoz and highly regarded 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, making Gakpo's quality and range prove difficult to replace.
Reds also know that Gakpo has consistently contributed in the Premier League. Since joining from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, Gakpo has scored seven, eight, ten and seven league goals in his four seasons at Anfield while adding regular creative contributions. Since November 2024, only Salah has scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool than Gakpo's 17, while only Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai have recorded more intentional assists than his five. His product has remained consistent despite playing under various managers and in various attacking roles. For Tottenham, the combination of reliability and multi-positional value is the main attraction. While last season's seven league goals may not be immediately striking, the underlying metrics tell a different story. Gakpo continues to generate chances at an elite level, getting into dangerous positions more often than almost any winger in Europe, and offering a tactical flexibility that few forwards can match. Whether Tottenham can convince Liverpool to let go of one of their most experienced strikers remains to be seen. However, if De Zerbi is looking for someone capable of playing across the front line while constantly threatening the opposition goal, the data offers an interesting explanation for Spurs' interest.
What happened next
The negotiation process between Tottenham and Liverpool is likely to be complicated, considering that Liverpool does not want to lose Gakpo. If Liverpool succeed in bringing in Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain, they might be more open to letting Gakpo go. However, the final decision will depend on the strategy of the two clubs in facing the upcoming transfer market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Cody Gakpo and Tottenham?
Tottenham Hotspur are considering signing Cody Gakpo from Liverpool as part of coach Roberto de Zerbi's efforts to overhaul the squad.
Who confirmed Tottenham's interest in Gakpo?
Tottenham's interest in Cody Gakpo was reported by sources closely following the transfer, although there was no official confirmation from the club.
Why are Tottenham interested in recruiting Cody Gakpo now?
Spurs were attracted to Gakpo due to his tactical flexibility and ability to operate in a variety of positions, in line with Roberto de Zerbi's playing philosophy.
What changes might occur if Gakpo joins Tottenham?
If Gakpo joins, Tottenham will get a player who can operate in the center and on the wings, providing valuable insurance in a variety of positions.
What are the obstacles in the Gakpo negotiation process?
The negotiation process will not be easy as Liverpool are reluctant to weaken their attacking options following the departure of Mohamed Salah and injury to Hugo Ekitike.