Gakpo reaches personal agreement with Tottenham as Liverpool assess next move

Cody Gakpo is edging closer to leaving Liverpool after reaching an “agreement in principle” over personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur.

The London club have stepped up their efforts to sign the Netherlands international, who has been an important part of Liverpool’s attacking options since arriving at Anfield during the January transfer window in 2023.

According to Dutch publication Football International, Tottenham have made significant progress in their pursuit of Gakpo by agreeing the main details of a potential contract with the 26-year-old.

There is growing confidence among all parties that the transfer could be completed on a permanent basis. Tottenham have now opened direct discussions with Liverpool as they attempt to reach an agreement over the player’s move to north London.

Gakpo is regarded as a leading target for Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian sees the forward as a player who could add greater flexibility to his attacking system because of his ability to operate in more than one position.

De Zerbi is not expected to abandon his interest in Gakpo even if Tottenham also succeed in signing Savinho, the Brazilian winger from Manchester City.

Liverpool are under no financial pressure to sell Gakpo. His current contract at Anfield runs until the summer of 2030, giving the club a strong negotiating position as Tottenham pursue the transfer.

However, Liverpool could approve his departure if they receive a formal offer matching their valuation of the player. That figure is understood to be about £60m.

A sale would leave Liverpool needing to return to the transfer market for a suitable replacement, particularly with the summer window approaching its final hours.

Gakpo’s exit could prompt the Reds to intensify their search for attacking reinforcements. The club are continuing to explore new options in wide areas as they consider how best to maintain the depth and variety of their forward line.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Bradley Barcola, the France winger who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. A potential deal for Barcola would represent an ambitious investment, and the money generated by Gakpo’s sale could help Liverpool finance that pursuit.

Gakpo’s possible departure therefore has implications beyond the immediate negotiations between Liverpool and Tottenham. While the Dutchman remains under contract for several more seasons, the growing progress of talks means Liverpool must assess both the value of accepting a transfer fee and the difficulty of finding a replacement before the window closes.

For Tottenham, securing an agreement with Gakpo over personal terms represents an important step, but the clubs still need to settle the financial aspects of the deal. With direct contact now established, their discussions will determine whether the forward leaves Liverpool for north London this summer.