Fabrizio Romano: Premier League rivals hold strong interest in Liverpool star | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo, Tottenham and Liverpool’s Summer Reset After Fabrizio Romano Update

Liverpool’s summer is shaping up as a clear-out as much as a rebuild. New head coach Andoni Iraola has walked into a squad that badly underperformed last season, and there are obvious decisions to make across the pitch. One of them concerns Cody Gakpo, whose name has now been pushed into the Tottenham transfer conversation.

According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Spurs are actively assessing winger targets and Gakpo is firmly admired in north London. Romano said, “Don’t forget what I told you recently, Savinho is a top target for Tottenham,” before adding, “And then they have another player that they really appreciate, which is Cody Gakpo from Liverpool. But in this case it will depend on what happens at Liverpool because, at the moment, doors for an exit are not open.” He also noted, “But Tottenham keep thinking of Savinho and keep thinking of Cody Gakpo after reshaping their midfield with Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.”

Cody Gakpo transfer talk has logic

This is the sort of report that makes sense on both ends. Tottenham want more pace and output in wide areas, and Gakpo still carries a reputation that extends beyond one bad season. Liverpool, meanwhile, are trying to reshape the attack after major changes, and that means every non-essential asset becomes part of the conversation.

There is no need to romanticise Gakpo’s 2025-26 campaign. It was poor. Whether he was used in the right role or not, the end product and overall influence were below the standard required for a club trying to get back into the Champions League places. Good players can have bad years, that happens. The issue for Liverpool is whether this was a dip or a warning.

Tottenham interest could test Liverpool resolve

At 27, Gakpo is not an emerging project. He is meant to be in his prime. If a serious bid arrives, reportedly around £60 million in the wider rumour cycle, Liverpool have to assess it without sentiment. That is not selling low, that is understanding market timing. If another inconsistent season follows, the fee drops and the decision gets harder.

There is also a squad-building angle here. Liverpool are already expected to refresh the forward line, and replacing Mohamed Salah’s output is not a one-player task. Victor Munoz may be a useful addition, and Rio Ngumoha is highly regarded, but neither should be burdened with solving a senior attacking problem on their own. Even so, if Iraola and the recruitment staff believe Gakpo is movable, then moving him for the right price could help fund a more suitable option.

Liverpool rebuild under Andoni Iraola needs clarity

This is what proper rebuilds look like. They are not tidy, and they are not emotional. Liverpool finished fifth because too many players drifted through the season and too few imposed themselves. Gakpo was one of several. He was not the only problem, but he was not part of the solution either.

What matters now is internal conviction. If Iraola sees a role for him and believes better structure can revive him, then Liverpool keep him. If he does not, then this is exactly the type of sale smart clubs make before value slips. Tottenham’s interest creates leverage, and Liverpool should use it.

For now, Romano’s update stops short of calling this an active negotiation. Liverpool are not openly pushing Gakpo towards the door. Still, interest from a Premier League rival tends to sharpen thinking. In a summer where Liverpool need sharper thinking everywhere, that may be enough to turn background noise into a real decision.

Our View

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels like one of those decisions that tells you whether the club have really learned from last season. Gakpo is talented, no one disputes that, and there were moments for the Netherlands when he looked far more like the player Liverpool thought they were buying. But fans watch week after week, and last season there was too much drift, too little authority, and not enough end product.

If Tottenham are genuinely prepared to pay strong money, then Liverpool should at least listen. This is not about writing a player off, it is about being realistic. Iraola needs attackers who fit his ideas, press hard, run with intent and make decisive contributions. If Gakpo is a clean fit, fine, keep him. If he is only maybe useful, then cashing in is sensible.

The one concern is depth. Salah has gone, Chiesa may yet follow, and Liverpool cannot strip out experienced attackers without bringing in proven quality. Young talent is exciting, but potential does not carry a top-four push on its own. So yes, consider the sale, absolutely. Just make sure the replacement is better, not cheaper, and not another gamble dressed up as planning.