Liverpool Blocks Spurs’ Gakpo Move, Focus Shifts to Savinho
Tottenham’s push to arm Roberto De Zerbi with a new-look forward line is running straight into Liverpool’s resolve over Cody Gakpo – and that stand-off is pushing Spurs deeper into talks for Manchester City winger Savinho.
Liverpool have set a high bar for anyone trying to prise Gakpo away from Anfield. The fee being discussed sits at a minimum of £60 million and could climb towards £70m. For a player who drifted in and out of form last season, it is a statement. For Liverpool, it reflects belief that the 27-year-old has more to give under new boss Andoni Iraola.
Gakpo’s campaign was patchy, but his confidence surged on the biggest stage. He struck three times at the World Cup before the Netherlands’ shock elimination to Morocco, a run that reminded clubs across Europe of his cutting edge from the left.
Tottenham, already busy reshaping the spine of De Zerbi’s team, have now swung their attention wide. The defence has been reinforced, the midfield upgraded. The next phase is clear: add pace, goals and flexibility in the attacking lanes.
De Zerbi has gone big with his request. He wants both Gakpo and Savinho, two players capable of operating across the front line, interchanging positions and stretching defences in the high-tempo, aggressive system he favours.
Spurs have done their part on one front. Personal terms with Gakpo are understood to be agreed, and the Dutchman has informed Liverpool of his desire to move on. Tottenham are prepared to test Liverpool’s stance with a £60m offer, a figure that would normally drag a transfer into serious territory.
Yet the Merseyside club are standing firm. Speaking on talkSPORT, transfer reporter Alex Crook poured cold water on the idea that Gakpo will be lining up for Spurs when the new season kicks off.
“I don’t think it will happen. Speaking to sources at Liverpool they think he’s had a good pre-season under Iraola, they think he’s a player that Iraola can get the best out of,” Crook said, via Last Word on Spurs. “I think he probably would be open to the move, but at the moment that’s not one I expect to happen between now and deadline day.”
That stance shifts the spotlight onto Savinho.
Spurs turn the screw on Savinho deal
With Liverpool unlikely to budge on Gakpo, Tottenham are preparing to throw their full weight behind a deal for Savinho. Personal terms with the Brazilian are already in place, and this is not a new courtship. Spurs held talks last summer but could not persuade City to cash in.
Since then, Savinho has signed a new contract at the Etihad, strengthening City’s hand. Even so, Tottenham sense an opening. According to The Times, the London club are in active discussions with City over an £85m move.
That figure is a major jump. The 22-year-old had previously been expected to command a fee in the £60–65m range. Now, if Spurs truly want him, they will have to go far beyond that early valuation.
Recent history suggests they might. The captures of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have underlined the club’s willingness to spend heavily to accelerate De Zerbi’s rebuild and push back into the European places.
So the picture is clear. Liverpool intend to keep Gakpo and see what Iraola can unlock. Tottenham, blocked on one flank, are ready to gamble big on another. If they do go all-in on Savinho at £85m, it will be one of the defining calls of their season – and possibly of De Zerbi’s entire project in north London.
