Tottenham begin major process to sign first-team Liverpool star | OneFootball

A starting XI Liverpool star could be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur. They've started the process.

Andoni Iraola is in at Liverpool and now it's time to make some changes. The Reds will buy and sell some big names this summer as they try and balance what happened in 2025.

Liverpool tore up a title-winning squad under Arne Slot and for the worse. They regressed massively and must now find a way to mesh this group together under a new coach.

It means both buying and selling players, which other clubs are fully aware of, of course. That'll be why Tottenham Hotspur have apparently started pursuing Cody Gakpo.

SoccerNews makes that claim, suggesting the process has already started to convince Gakpo of the move. Spurs are in a somewhat similar boat to Liverpool in that they need to reverse a negative trend quickly, and they view Gakpo as a real upgrade.

Liverpool will need to think this one through, though. They're already chasing a new winger this summer and selling the Dutchman would necessitate another one coming in.

There's also the simple fact that last season was the worst of Gakpo's time in Liverpool. There's every chance that he excels under Iraola with some new ideas to work with.

A big decision is to be made, then. Gakpo only signed his current contract at the start of the season and no transfer would come cheaply.

It'll just largely depend on what Iraola wants from the player.

Cody Gakpo: Situation Summary

Liverpool Campaign and Stats

As of 5 June 2026, Cody Gakpo has concluded a highly testing domestic campaign with Liverpool. The 27-year-old Dutch forward made 36 Premier League appearances under Arne Slot, recording seven goals and five assists. Despite maintaining a consistent presence in the starting lineup, Gakpo struggled to find sustained rhythm, often facing significant criticism from sections of the fanbase and media regarding his attacking output. His season ended with a collective disappointment as the club failed to retain their title, finishing the league campaign in fifth place.

Transfer Request and Atletico Interest

Following the recent dismissal of Arne Slot, Gakpo’s future at Anfield has reached a definitive breaking point. Reports confirm the forward has officially submitted a transfer request, stating he does not envisage a future at the club without the departed Dutch manager. With Liverpool's new hierarchy open to a sale to facilitate a summer squad overhaul, Atletico Madrid have emerged as the primary suitors. The Spanish giants are weighing a move for the Netherlands international as they seek a long-term replacement for Antoine Griezmann.