IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jay Biggerstaff
It's that time of the window, when supporters are checking team selections to try and gain any sort of insight into potential late deals. It'll be no different for those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion.
In the case of Cody Gakpo, the impending arrival of Bradley Barcola at Anfield has brought the Dutchman's future into even sharper focus, having been linked with a move to north London all summer.
The 27-year-old is said to be open to leaving by all accounts, albeit having now started Liverpool's first two Premier League games, scoring against Newcastle United on the opening weekend.
Manchester City's rampant interest complicates matters too, with a move to the Etihad looking more likely at present.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Quite what it all means for his future ahead of Tuesday's deadline remains to be seen, although if Spurs do get their man, what would Gakpo bring to the table?
How Gakpo compares to Europe's best wingers
On the face of it, it wasn't the most fruitful 2025/26 campaign for Gakpo as Liverpool endured a disappointing defence of their title, culminating in the exit of Arne Slot.
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In terms of the winger's own role in that decline, he did still chip in with 12 goals and assists in the Premier League, having registered 14 goal involvements in that triumphant season the year prior.
He also created ten 'big chances' and averaged a standout 1.5 key passes per game, albeit while only scoring seven times despite registering 2.4 shots per game.
In terms of how he compared to those in his position in Europe's big five leagues, the former PSV Eindhoven man ranked in the top 13% for shots, albeit while only in the top 39% for non-penalty goals per 90.
He's not necessarily one to pick out his man with a cross, instead favouring a cut inside, having ranked in just the bottom 7% for open-play crosses per 90.
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Gakpo Record vs 'Big Six'
Club
Arsenal
Spurs
Chelsea
Man Utd
Man City
Elsewhere, he did rank in the top 26% for progressive carries, although taking on his man isn't necessarily his strong point, ranking in the bottom 52% and the bottom 46% for productive dribbles and successful dribbles, respectively.
A goalscorer he might well be, but with Spurs already bringing in a finisher in Omar Marmoush, perhaps they could do with an alternative option on the flanks.
How Spurs could seal a bigger coup than Gakpo
It's taken time, but both Marmoush and Savio are in the door, with Roberto De Zerbi making it clear there is likely to be one more addition before Tuesday's deadline.
General view inside the Tottenham Hotspur stadium before the match
General view inside the Tottenham Hotspur stadium before the match
The exact profile of that player is still to be determined, with Gakpo a leading target, while a more natural number nine has been mooted, such as Freiburg's Igor Matanovic.
This ENIC regime and De Zerbi appear to like Premier League-proven options, however, with Everton's Iliman Ndiaye also in the frame by all accounts.
REUTERS/Hollie Adams
As Football Fancast exclusively reported, the idea of Ndiaye heading to north London has been floated, amid talk of Richarlison heading in the opposite direction.
The Senegalese star, who has spent the last two years on Merseyside, is also said to be attracting interest from Manchester City, with an £80m offer seemingly in the works.
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Considering the inflated nature of the current market, this would feel like an impressive piece of business if Spurs can snap up the 26-year-old, even at that price.
While Gakpo has split opinion on the red half of Merseyside, Ndiaye is certainly beloved on the blue half, taking on almost talismanic status under David Moyes' watch.
Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye
In 2024/25, for instance, he scored nine times in that final campaign at Goodison Park, before adding six goals and three assists in the first season at the Hill Dickinson.
Not prolific then, but he is operating under a relatively conservative manager in Moyes, with the quality of his play also not necessarily defined by his end product.
Indeed, Gakpo's game is about scoring goals, yet Ndiaye is simply a delight to watch on either flank, possessing an almost Eden Hazard-like ability to weave his way up the pitch, fending off defenders with his surprising strength and low centre of gravity.
This is a man who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and conjure up a moment of magic on his own, having averaged 2.3 successful dribbles per game last season, well ahead of Gakpo's 0.9 average.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
For context, he finished behind only Jeremy Doku in terms of total successful dribbles completed in the division, while also ranking fourth in that regard the year prior.
It's why teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has labelled him "one of the best players in the league" when in full flow, with there a natural quality to his game that simply can't be coached.
REUTERS/Blake Dahlin
This feels like a perfect De Zerbi player in the making, perhaps even in a number ten role if required, and with the pursuit of Gakpo getting a little protracted, pivoting to Ndiaye would prove far more exciting for those at N17.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo reacts
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo reacts