Gullit says Tottenham could give Cody Gakpo the platform to rediscover his form

Ruud Gullit believes a move to Tottenham could help fellow Dutchman Cody Gakpo recover his best form after the forward’s influence at Liverpool declined during the past season.

Tottenham are interested in signing the 27-year-old at the request of head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who has identified Gakpo as one of his attacking targets for the summer. Manchester City forwards Savinho and Omar Marmoush are also on the club’s list.

Gullit said Gakpo would “return to the player everyone knew” if Tottenham could persuade him to leave Liverpool and move to north London, according to Football London.

The former Netherlands international believes the change could provide Gakpo with a more prominent role and greater freedom to show his qualities.

Gakpo enjoyed a productive spell with the Netherlands at the World Cup, scoring seven goals and providing five assists across the tournament and qualifying campaign. However, he found it difficult to secure a regular starting position for Liverpool.

The forward was frequently used as a substitute in Champions League matches before being given more opportunities in Premier League fixtures during the second half of the season. He finished the campaign with nine goals and six assists for Liverpool.

Tottenham would need to make a significant financial offer to convince Liverpool to sell. Liverpool would also want to sign a replacement before agreeing to Gakpo’s departure.

One player attracting interest from Liverpool is France international Bradley Barcola, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain.

Gakpo joined Liverpool after establishing himself as one of the Netherlands’ leading attacking players, but competition for places has limited his regular involvement at club level. Gullit feels Tottenham could offer a setting in which the forward would be trusted with greater responsibility.

The proposed move would also be based on De Zerbi’s desire to strengthen Tottenham’s attack. Gakpo is being considered alongside Savinho and Marmoush as the club assesses its options in the summer transfer window.

For the deal to happen, Tottenham must first meet Liverpool’s valuation and then wait for the Premier League club to secure an alternative in attack. Those conditions mean a transfer is not yet straightforward, despite Gullit’s belief that it could benefit the player.

Gakpo’s international performances remain a reminder of his ability. His seven goals and five assists for the Netherlands during the World Cup and its qualifying matches contrasted with his more limited role at Liverpool, where he ended the season with nine goals and six assists but was unable to establish himself consistently in the starting line-up.

Gullit’s view is that a move to Tottenham could restore Gakpo’s confidence and allow him to play with the authority that made him such an important part of the Netherlands set-up.