Gakpo to Tottenham: Stats Back Move but Liverpool Face Dilemma
Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as manager Roberto de Zerbi continues to reshape his squad, with sources confirming that a deal could reach up to £70 million ($94m). The Dutch international, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for less than £45m, would represent a significant profit for the Reds, but his potential departure leaves the Merseyside club facing a serious attacking shortage.
According to BBC Sport, Liverpool are reluctant to weaken their options, especially after the departure of Mohamed Salah and with Hugo Ekitike still recovering from an Achilles injury. The Reds are themselves pursuing Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but even if that move materialises, losing Gakpo would strip the squad of one of its most experienced forwards.
Michael Owen, speaking exclusively to GOAL, acknowledged the transfer "could happen" but warned of the risks. "He was consistent last year, but consistently poor," said the former Liverpool striker. "If they lose him, are you going into the season relying on Rio Ngumoha? If you've got a replacement, then I can see it. It could happen. At the moment, I think they're looking at adding, I'm not sure they're thinking of getting rid of too many players."
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
Despite Owen's critique, the underlying data paints a far more encouraging picture of Gakpo's 2025-26 campaign. While his seven Premier League goals represented his lowest return in a full season at Anfield, advanced metrics suggest he remained one of Europe's most dangerous wide forwards.
Only seven wingers across Europe's top five leagues averaged more touches in the opposition penalty area than his 2.2 per 90 minutes, and he ranked inside the top 10 for both open-play shots and chances created. His player comparison profile shows him in the 98th percentile for shot frequency and the 91st percentile for box threat — figures that indicate very few wide players became involved in dangerous attacking situations more regularly.
AOL's statistical breakdown against Spurs' current forwards reinforces that value. Gakpo finished last season with a higher expected-goals total (8.59), more shots (87), more assists (five) and more big chances created (10) than any of Tottenham's attacking options, despite playing in a Liverpool side that finished fifth. Richarlison scored more league goals but attempted 26 fewer shots and created only half as many big chances. Dominic Solanke, limited by injury, produced just 20 shots and one big chance created, while Mathys Tel also fell short across several key measures.
The contrast extends beyond shooting. Gakpo recorded 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared with 125 for Richarlison, 68 for Tel and 55 for Solanke. His 4.17 expected assists from open play was comfortably the highest among the four, underlining his ability to create chances as well as find scoring positions himself.
Tactical Fit and Versatility
At 6ft 4in, Gakpo offers a physical presence uncommon among wide forwards, ranking in the 96th percentile for aerial volume. That would give De Zerbi another route against deep defensive blocks — through diagonal passes, back-post crosses, or more direct balls when opponents restrict Spurs' build-up play.
On the surface, Gakpo looks like another left winger, but in reality he offers considerably more tactical flexibility. Although he has played most of his Liverpool football from the left, the Netherlands international has regularly been used as a central striker, false nine and second forward. De Zerbi reportedly views him as someone who can operate through the middle, dropping between the lines to link play before releasing runners beyond him.
That profile fits the Italian's football perfectly. Instead of relying on a traditional penalty-box striker, De Zerbi often asks his centre forward to vacate central spaces, combine with midfielders and create room for wide players to attack. Gakpo possesses the technical quality, close control and positional intelligence to perform that role while also covering on the left. His broader profile ranks in the 78th percentile for link-up play and 75th for pass progression, illustrating his comfort in tight spaces.
What This Means for Both Clubs
For Tottenham, signing Gakpo would signal intent beyond simply adding numbers. He would provide insurance across multiple positions — in a way neither Solanke nor Tel currently can — while directly addressing the creativity deficit that hampered Spurs' attack last season. With Solanke reportedly attracting interest from Nottingham Forest and Manor Solomon nearing a move to West Ham, De Zerbi's need for attacking reinforcements is becoming urgent.
Liverpool's dilemma is equally acute. Selling Gakpo — even at £70m — would leave a squad already short on wingers with Rio Ngumoha and limited alternatives unless a replacement is secured. The pursuit of Bradley Barcola is ongoing, but no deal is yet concluded. As Marcus Rashford's Manchester United return shows, big clubs often face difficult decisions when balancing squad depth with transfer funds.
The coming weeks will be decisive. Tottenham are clearly willing to test Liverpool's resolve, and the player's own preference could be decisive. With the summer transfer deadline approaching, Gakpo's future remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the window — a move that could reshape both clubs' attacking dynamics for the season ahead.
As the news cycle intensifies, other developments continue to unfold. For the latest updates on club football and beyond, check our coverage of Coronation Street's schedule shake-up and other sports news.
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