Cody Gakpo has been linked with a move to Tottenham, with former Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld questioning Liverpool's decision to consider selling the Netherlands international
Cody Gakpo is being linked with Tottenham
Cody Gakpo is being linked with Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has been warned it risks handing Tottenham a Champions League advantage should it sanction Cody Gakpo's sale to the big-spending London club.
Gakpo has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer with a potential switch to Roberto de Zerbi's outfit, despite the Reds currently having no intention of sanctioning the Dutchman's departure, given their limited attacking options.
The 27-year-old faced criticism from sections of the Liverpool support earlier this year following a below-par season that eventually led to head coach Arne Slot's dismissal. Tottenham have already splashed out more than $300 million this summer while also securing former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and ex-Bournemouth center-back Marcos Senesi on free transfers.
And former Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld believes the Reds would be making an error in allowing Gakpo to join a side he expects will be competing with Andoni Iraola's team for Champions League places.
"I don't understand why Liverpool would sell Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur because he is a primary player for any team," said Alderweireld.
"He's big, but he's quick and can play left and right, coming inside to go direct to goal. When I watch him, he's always in the box when the ball is on the other side of the pitch. He's a very good player.
Andy Robertson left Liverpool for Tottenham earlier this summer
Andy Robertson left Liverpool for Tottenham earlier this summer(Image: Getty Images)
"Maybe after last season Liverpool feel a bit hurt by how they played under Arne Slot, and they want to change a lot with a real makeover now they've appointed Andoni Iraola, but I think even for the Netherlands we have seen how good Gakpo is.
"If he goes to Spurs, I think it would be a good signing because don't forget he's a Premier League winner. He performed very well the year before last season when they won it.
"He could make Spurs stronger and Liverpool weaker when they're fighting for a Champions League place."
Despite Liverpool's disappointing title defense, Alderweireld reckons the Merseysiders could mount a serious championship challenge against reigning champion Arsenal if Manchester City were to lose influential midfielder Rodri to Real Madrid.
The Spanish international is additionally being tracked by Barcelona.
Speaking to Hajper, Alderweireld said: "Rodri is such a big part of Manchester City, and we saw that when he was injured and how much they struggled.
"His position for City has been crucial, and tactically he is so important to how they've won so many games and titles.
"If Rodri moves to Real Madrid, the title race will be wide open for someone like Liverpool, Manchester United or even Tottenham Hotspur to challenge Arsenal this season."