“It’s not going away” – Lewis Steele won’t rule out exit for Liverpool forward | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo Exit Talk Refuses to Fade as Tottenham Hotspur Interest Grows

Liverpool’s transfer window continues to generate fresh debate, and one of the most intriguing discussions from the latest Media Matters podcast on Anfield Index centred on the future of Cody Gakpo. Speaking with Dave Davis, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele addressed the persistent speculation linking the Dutch forward with Tottenham Hotspur, making it clear that this is a story that continues to gather momentum rather than disappear.

With Andoni Iraola preparing for his first campaign as Liverpool head coach, decisions around the attacking options remain among the biggest talking points of the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur Links Continue to Build

Asked by Dave Davis about reports from across Europe, Lewis Steele acknowledged that the rumours refuse to go away.

Speaking on the podcast, Steele said:

“I’ve seen one of my colleagues, James Sharpe, has written about that today and said it could be a goer. Spurs are interested in Gakpo. It’s not going away at all today.”

That was perhaps the strongest indication during the discussion that Tottenham Hotspur’s interest should still be taken seriously. Rather than dismissing the reports, Steele accepted that they continue to circulate, even while Liverpool remain active in several other areas of the transfer market.

Dave Davis also referenced comments from Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi and recent reporting from Fabrizio Romano, both of which have kept Gakpo’s name firmly in the headlines throughout the week.

Liverpool Face Difficult Squad Decisions

While acknowledging Tottenham Hotspur’s interest, Steele also explained why Liverpool would need to think carefully before allowing Cody Gakpo to leave.

He said:

“As I’ve said repeatedly, I think they’d need to sign two wingers if they were to let Gakpo go.”

That point became a central theme of the conversation.

Liverpool continue to pursue Bradley Barcola, while Victor Munoz is still to join the pre season tour after arriving earlier in the window. Rio Ngumoha has also impressed during the club’s summer fixtures.

Steele believes those players offer exciting possibilities, saying:

“I’m excited to see what Victor Munoz can do.”

He also praised Liverpool’s young winger.

“I think Rio is going to only get better and better.”

Even with those promising options emerging, Steele stopped well short of suggesting Liverpool should rush towards a sale.

Instead, he added:

“I think Barcola, if he comes, will be the main man. And then you’ve got Cody Gakpo, who I think everyone’s a bit down on because he did have a poor season last time out.”

Before concluding with perhaps his clearest opinion of all:

“I still think he’s worth keeping around because otherwise they’d be weak.”

Photo: IMAGO

Summer Sale Could Still Involve Gakpo

The discussion also turned towards Liverpool’s wider financial planning during the transfer window.

Although Steele believes Gakpo remains a valuable squad member, he acknowledged that Liverpool have always expected at least one significant outgoing this summer.

He explained:

“They’ve always said they want to do a sale this summer in terms of big money and maybe Gakpo could be that one.”

That comment perhaps best sums up Liverpool’s current position.

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest appears genuine, Liverpool continue searching for attacking reinforcements, and the club still has several areas of the squad requiring investment before the transfer window closes.

Whether Cody Gakpo ultimately stays or goes may depend less on Tottenham’s persistence and more on whether Liverpool complete the attacking additions they are currently pursuing.

For now, as Lewis Steele repeatedly emphasised during his conversation with Dave Davis on Anfield Index, this remains one transfer story that simply refuses to disappear.