Cody Gakpo has emerged as a serious target for Tottenham, but Liverpool are currently reluctant to sell the Dutch international this summer. However, with the Reds being linked with PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye, could Gakpo's future at Anfield depend on Liverpool's remaining transfer business?
If Liverpool Sign Two More Wingers, Would You Let Cody Gakpo Leave This Summer?
As Liverpool continue to circle around a few potential attacking options this summer, could a current LFC attacker be set for a departure to a Premier League rival?
The Reds knew that this summer would be one of change on the wing, given the departure of Mohamed Salah; however, with the change in manager as well, it has led to a slightly altered approach to the transfer window.
Andoni Iraola and the teams he has coached thrive on having quick and dangerous players on the wings, and ideally all the wingers can play both sides of the pitch, allowing for maximum tactical flexibility.
And while players such as Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha have the tools to fit into this style of play seamlessly, Dutch winger Cody Gakpo, on paper at least, doesn't seem to have that required skill set.
Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesGakpo has never been known for electric pace and flair on the wing, and instead was brought into the team as someone who had the ability to cut inside and unleash a thunderous shot that could arrow into the top corner.
However, following a season of disappointment for Liverpool last campaign, no one likely came out of that season with less credit in the bank with LFC fans than Cody Gakpo, and this has led to speculation about him departing Anfield to venture elsewhere next season.
Cody Gakpo High On Tottenham Hotspurs Shortlist
Reports have been coming out for several weeks that Spurs are looking to sign another winger as they bid to avoid a repeat of their relegation-battling campaign they had last season.
And a name that has frequently appeared in reports is Cody Gakpo, with reports today suggesting that interest from Spurs is 'serious'.
According to Dutch publication Voetbal International, Spurs and their manager Roberto De Zerbi believe that Cody Gakpo is the missing piece to their team and that he can help fire the club back amongst Europe's elite.
REUTERS/Hollie AdamsThis has been followed up by Fabrizio Romano, who has stated that Tottenham is in talks with Cody Gakpo's camp over a potential move, with the deal likely to depend on LFC incomings and how much Spurs are willing to pay for Gakpo.
Could LFC Afford To Let Cody Gakpo Leave This Summer?
However, from the Liverpool side, the message has been pretty clear in that LFC has no interest in selling Gakpo this summer and instead aims to add to the squad.
And given the Dutch international's contract at Anfield is running until 2030, the Reds are under no pressure to sell this summer, with only an extraordinary offer that would change that stance.
Reuters/Jay BiggerstaffFurthermore, what is very clear is that, given Liverpool already lacks options in the attacking third of the pitch, the club couldn't sell Cody Gakpo without having a replacement lined up, but perhaps they are already looking into his replacement?
Could Ibrahim Mbaye Be The Cody Gakpo Replacement?
That is because reports emerged yesterday of Liverpool looking into a PSG winger, but not the highly talked-about Bradley Barcola.
Instead, the Reds are said to have expressed an interest in 18-year-old PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye this summer, with the player himself giving the green light to a move to Anfield.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesShould Liverpool sign both Mbaye and Barcola this summer, and after they have already signed Victor Munoz earlier in the window, the Reds could entertain the idea of allowing Cody Gakpo to leave, should Spurs make an approach.
As of right now, Liverpool are unlikely to sell, but this could be a domino effect, and should the Reds bring in their desired forward line targets, Cody Gakpo to Spurs could be a move that takes shape.
