Tottenham have been dealt a big setback in their pursuit of Premier League star.
Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a record transfer spend this summer, splashing £382million across eight signings.
In addition to bringing in midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in for a combined fee of £185million, Spurs have also signed Omar Marmoush and Savio from Manchester City to refresh their attacking options. Still, head coach Roberto De Zerbi has hinted that the North Londoners might not yet be done in the summer market, with at least one more signing expected to come through the door.
Tottenham have been chasing Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo for months amid indications he had given verbal assurance to De Zerbi. Regardless of landing Savio and Marmoush earlier this week, De Zerbi still wants the Netherlands international and views him as a key target. However, the situation became complicated recently when Manchester City entered the race for the Liverpool star.
Cody Gakpo makes decision on his future amid Tottenham and Manchester City interest
Several reports suggested that Liverpool were demanding a transfer fee in excess of £60m for Gakpo and would not approve a sale unless a replacement is sorted out. With the Reds having now agreed a deal to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, the door has been opened for Gakpo to exit.
However, according to a report from The Athletic, the Dutch forward has decided against a move to Tottenham and will join Man City in the coming days. All parties are now working on a final agreement, with a fee still to be agreed with Liverpool. The Merseyside club are now looking for a fee of around £85million to sell the 27-year-old.
Gakpo has started both of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season, scoring against Newcastle United last Sunday and providing a fine assist in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. He also has 51 goals in 182 games in all competitions for the Reds since joining from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has decided to join Manchester City, and all parties are now in talks to reach an agreement.
The 27-year-old has decided against a move to Tottenham Hotspur and wants to complete a move to the Etihad.
The Netherlands international started and… pic.twitter.com/uwt8kh1tFV
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) August 29, 2026
Massive blow for De Zerbi and Tottenham
Spurs have lost their opening two games of the Premier League for the first time in 15 years. News of Gakpo rejecting Tottenham came as De Zerbi’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday evening.
The Dutchman making up his mind to join Enzo Maresca’s Man City should come as a big blow for De Zerbi. The Italian boss had identified him as a top target to fortify his team’s attacking ranks. The Liverpool man could have been a key player in De Zerbi’s tactical system and attacking setup, whilst bringing creativity, dynamism, pace and goals to the side. Plus, given his top-flight experience and versatility to operate across the frontline, he might have potentially transformed Tottenham’s attacking dynamics.
However, with Gakpo keen on a move to City, De Zerbi and our club officials must quickly shift their focus elsewhere to address the problems in attack.