Liverpool has been given another reason to stand firm on its valuation of Cody Gakpo amid interest from Tottenham
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool reacts during the pre-season friendly match against Monaco
Cody Gakpo continues to be linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer(Image: Photo by Lewis Storey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo continues to be linked with a move to Premier League rival Tottenham, but the club may have just been given every reason to increase its asking price for the Dutchman.
As things stand, the Reds are yet to facilitate any major sales this summer given Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate departed as free agents. That could change before the deadline, however, as Gakpo is one of a handful of players attracting interest from elsewhere.
Roberto de Zerbi is completing a massive overhaul of his Spurs squad this summer, and Gakpo is rumored to be on his attacking shortlist. A deal worth in the region of £70 million ($95 million) has been mooted as a possibility in recent weeks, but no concrete reports suggesting a move is close have yet emerged.
That being said, if the Reds are to enter into discussions with their London counterparts, it could be argued they should be seeking a fee much higher than the current figure being floated in the media. This comes after reports emerged on Monday that Chelsea is open to selling Pedro Neto this summer.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Saudi Pro League giant Al Hilal is interested in the Portugal international and is exploring a move. While Chelsea is yet to receive a formal bid for the player, the club is believed to value him in the region of £100 million ($135 million).
That's a staggering £30 million ($40 million) more for a player who has arguably produced less in recent years than Gakpo. The Reds' winger scored one fewer goal than Neto across all competitions in 2025/26, while he significantly outperformed the Chelsea man for goals in 2024/25 and also finished that season as a Premier League champion.
There is certainly nothing to suggest Neto is worth significantly more than Gakpo in the current market, and the Dutchman showcased on Sunday just how valuable he can be with a goal and an assist in Liverpool's friendly win over Como. Gakpo's lower output last season can certainly be attributed to the team's overall subpar performances.
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio
Cody Gakpo has impressed in preseason amid links with a Liverpool transfer exit(Image: (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images))
Of course, valuations and asking prices are different from eventual sale prices. Chelsea may ultimately achieve less than what it wants for Neto.
That being said, it is certainly an indicator that Liverpool must stand firm to secure a hefty fee for Gakpo should it decide to offload the winger. There is currently very little need to do so regardless, given the club is painfully thin in forward areas and Gakpo has consistently proven he is a useful squad player.
Liverpool is reportedly still pursuing Paris Saint-Germain wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, but so far there has been no breakthrough in negotiations between the two clubs. It is not yet clear whether either deal will be agreed before the transfer deadline, and the Reds cannot leave themselves short going into next season.
As things stand, Gakpo is poised to start Liverpool's Premier League opener against Newcastle United this weekend, given he started on the left against Como on Sunday. Until reinforcements come through the door, Gakpo remains integral to the squad and its depth, potentially even if signings are made, as he is versatile enough to play down the middle.