Tusport - News - Tottenham ready £73.5m record bid for Liverpool’s Gakpo

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to test Liverpool FC’s resolve with a club‑record proposal for Cody Gakpo, with reports indicating an €85m (£73.5m) bid is being readied. If submitted and accepted, the fee would eclipse the club’s previous benchmark and underline the scale of ambition under Roberto De Zerbi as Spurs look to reshape their attack for the Premier League campaign ahead. Sources close to the talks claim this is not a last‑minute idea. De Zerbi is understood to have tracked Gakpo for a considerable period, valuing the Dutch international’s power, finishing, movement into space and ability to combine with creative midfielders and full‑backs. Spurs are prioritising a forward who can operate wide or centrally, and Gakpo, who has played as a left winger, second striker and even a roaming focal point, appears to meet that brief. For Tottenham, the attraction is twofold: proven Premier League experience and an age profile that offers several prime seasons. Gakpo’s versatility would give De Zerbi tactical flexibility, whether Spurs line up with inverted wingers, a front two, or a fluid front three tailored to specific opponents. In higher‑stakes matches, he could function as a mobile target man, drawing defenders and creating passing lanes for midfield runners. Liverpool’s position is expected to be firm. Anfield are well aware that Gakpo retains significant market value and, despite fluctuating form patches common to attackers, he has delivered telling contributions since arriving in England. With a long season and multiple competitions to balance, Liverpool will not be hurried and will expect any serious bid to reflect the difficulty of negotiating with a direct Premier League rival. Timing may prove decisive. Tottenham do not want a prolonged saga that invites other European clubs to intervene—particularly if Gakpo signals willingness to move. A prompt, substantial opening offer could shape the narrative and apply pressure, but Liverpool’s recruitment structure historically resists undervaluation. Any agreement would likely require clear add‑ons and conditions that protect the selling club’s interests. Beyond the headline fee, the potential transfer raises strategic questions for both sides. For Spurs, adding a high‑calibre, multifunctional forward would support De Zerbi’s aggressive, possession‑based style and accelerate the squad’s evolution. For Liverpool, a sale at the right price could open room for reinvestment, though replacing a player with Gakpo’s profile and adaptability is rarely straightforward. As the window progresses, attention will focus on whether Tottenham convert intent into a formal offer and how Liverpool calibrate their response. With the Premier League market moving quickly, decisive action—on both sides—will determine whether this ambitious pursuit gains real traction or remains a bold summer headline.