Cody Gakpo for Liverpool
August is here, but Tottenham Hotspur are still looking a little light in the forward line. Roberto De Zerbi teased a 'bomba' signing, yet there's been little progress on that front.
Considering only Richarlison scored more than five Premier League goals last season, it's easy to see why supporters might be getting a little twitchy, particularly with the likes of Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert still sidelined.
There is certainly a need for more firepower, yet amid claims that Cody Gakpo is now a leading target for the Lilywhites, there is that nagging issue as to whether the Dutchman is the right solution.
Netherlands' Cody Gakpo reacts
Netherlands' Cody Gakpo reacts
He's never been the most popular figure at Liverpool, but could he be a success in north London instead?
What Spurs could expect from Cody Gakpo
Inconsistent might be the word that those on Merseyside would use to best describe Gakpo's performances, the former PSV Eindhoven man having divided opinion at Anfield to date.
180 games for his current side, the 27-year-old has scored 50 goals so far from his left-wing berth, 32 of which have come in 127 games in the Premier League.
That almost one in four record in the top flight is solid if not unspectacular, with Gakpo unable to truly replicate the stellar form he showcased for his country in recent times.
Cody-Gakpo-Netherlands
Indeed, the elegant winger is a real menace at major tournaments, having scored three times at the World Cup this summer, after previously netting in every group game in the Qatar edition.
The Netherlands star also scored three goals at Euro 2024 as his country reached the last four, emerging as something of a key man even while in the shadow of others back at club level.
||
Gakpo - Netherlands Record
Competition
WC Qualifiers
Nations League A
World Cup
Euros
Friendlies
Euro Qualifiers
Nations League Finals
Total
Across 2025/26, for instance, he scored and assisted just 12 goals in the league for Arne Slot's stuttering side, while only averaging 0.9 successful dribbles per game. For context, prior to injury, Mohammed Kudus was averaging 2.7 in that regard.
Not one to necessarily beat his man with a moment of skill or trickery, much of Gakpo's game relies on cutting inside onto his favoured right foot, ensuring he is in danger of becoming somewhat predictable.
In any case, this isn't the signing that will necessarily provide that 'wow' factor at N17 - do Spurs really need him?
Why Spurs already have a bigger talent than Gakpo
Pre-season isn't always the best gauge of how a team will perform in the upcoming campaign, but there's been plenty to like about what De Zerbi's side have produced in recent weeks.
Both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have got on the scoresheet, Antonin Kinsky continues to put that night in Madrid firmly behind him, while Mathys Tel has looked electric down the left flank.
At a time when Gakpo is being eyed as a potential solution on that side, Tel is showcasing why he may well have a chance of being De Zerbi's go-to man in that role instead, such has been the quality of his performances.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates after the match-2
The 21-year-old notably supplied the assist for Richarlison's effort in the 2-0 win over Auckland FC, bursting into the box before pulling the ball back for the Brazilian to sweep home.
In the subsequent game against Sydney FC, Tel rifled in an outrageous free-kick in that 1-1 draw, a sign of his renewed confidence under De Zerbi after a difficult 18 months or so in north London.
Signed from Bayern Munich on an initial loan deal in January 2025, before sealing a £30m permanent switch, Tel has scored just seven goals in 58 games for the club in all competitions.
And yet, there were flashes of what he could offer last term, even in a turbulent campaign for the Lilywhites, as he chipped in with four goals and one assist from only 13 Premier League starts.
mathys-tel-spurs
He notably bettered Gakpo in terms of successful dribbles per game (1.3), with his assist against Auckland showcasing that he can go both ways, boasting such an exciting blend of speed and end product.
That was also on full display in the recent 2-1 win over Chelsea, with Opta outlining that Tel completed four dribbles against the Blues, more than the other 39 outfielders achieved combined (three).
REUTERS/Hollie Adams
Such a performance was yet another reminder of why Spurs were so keen to sign him in the first place, with Tel having already flourished, albeit briefly, at an elite club in the shape of Bayern.
In 2023/24, for instance, he scored and assisted 16 goals for the Bundesliga side in all competitions, despite only actually starting ten games, looking like such a weapon either off the left or in a left-wing role.
Mathys-Tel-Bayern
Considering he's still only 21, there is hope that under the right coach, and if afforded consistent game time, the France U21 international can truly realise his sky-high potential.
Signing Gakpo, therefore, might only hamper his progress.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo