The Real Reason Liverpool's Cody Gakpo Price Tag for Tottenham Is Smarter Than You Think

Liverpool's reported unwillingness to part with Cody Gakpo this summer for anything below $160 million — if they sell him at all — brings an interesting dimension to the club's squad planning ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

Gakpo has been Liverpool's primary starter on the left flank in recent seasons, though he appeared to become a growing source of frustration among supporters during 2025–26, when 59 appearances across all competitions produced just 15 combined goals and assists. The Dutch international netted only seven Premier League goals, with a mere three of those coming in the second half of the campaign.

With the signing of Víctor Muñoz already secured, teenager Rio Ngumoha continuing to develop, and the club actively pursuing Bradley Barcola, many had anticipated that Gakpo would be moved on.

Liverpool's Congested Left Wing

Muñoz operates as a left winger. Barcola is capable of playing on the right — where the Reds still have a significant void following Mohamed Salah's departure — but made his biggest impression at Paris Saint-Germain on the left side. Ngumoha, once the standout talent of the academy and eager for more regular first-team opportunities this season, also operates from the left flank.

That's what makes a fresh update from The Athletic — stating that the Reds have "no intention" of selling Gakpo — somewhat surprising on the surface. Tottenham Hotspur have "registered interest" with the player's representatives, though no formal negotiations have been initiated and no direct contact has been made with Liverpool.

It's reported that Liverpool would price Gakpo in line with transfers already completed this summer, including the recent sales of Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson — both fetching just under $160 million — to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

Ultimately, with Salah departed and Hugo Ekitiké expected to miss the start of the season due to the Achilles injury he sustained in April, Liverpool are reluctant to "reduce" their attacking options by offloading players such as Gakpo. The strategy remains to "add" to the attack rather than diminish it. There is also a sense that Gakpo is being given the benefit of the doubt as Andoni Iraola takes over as the new manager, bringing fresh ideas with him.

A New Role for Gakpo

Gakpo is not limited to the left wing. Throughout his time at Liverpool, the 27-year-old has periodically been used as a No. 9, including on several occasions last season.

Centre forward was actually Gakpo's main position during the 2023–24 season — his first full campaign at the club — when Luis Díaz was the preferred option on the left. He also spent his opening months as a Liverpool player in the No. 9 role during the second half of 2022–23, scoring seven goals in 21 Premier League appearances — still his most productive spell in a Reds shirt.

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If the left wing is set to be covered by Muñoz, Ngumoha and potentially Barcola going forward, it makes sense that Gakpo would be retained primarily as a backup striker. Alexander Isak will lead the line as the first-choice No. 9, with the expectation that he finally justifies his Premier League-record transfer fee. But with Ekitiké on the sidelines, the position requires additional cover.

Gakpo represents a straightforward solution for Liverpool in that regard. Perhaps, then, his days as a winger are behind him.