Liverpool Reject Gakpo Exit as Tottenham Consider Balogun 2026

Key Points

• Tottenham Cody Gakpo transfer: Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have a concrete plan to sign Liverpool’s attacking forward Cody Gakpo this summer.
• James O’Rourke of Football Insider as reported by Football365 revealed that Tottenham’s approach for Cody Gakpo definitely has “substance” behind it.
• As per reports, Liverpool is not ready to part ways with the Dutchman, who is contracted with the club until 2030 and is not viewed as a player for whom a sale is essential.
• The Daily Mail and the Evening Standard have both stated that Liverpool have “no plan to sell Cody Gakpo” and that it would take an exceptional offer to make the club reconsider their stance.
• The report added that discussions between Tottenham and the representative of Cody Gakpo had taken a good shape even though negotiations between the two sides have yet to commence.
• Liverpool was yet to receive any official bids for Cody Gakpo when the report emerged.
• Tottenham has been eyeing Manchester City’s attacking midfielder Savinho as an additional attacking option for the side.
• AS Monaco’s striker Folarin Balogun has been linked to Tottenham as another alternative forward for Spurs.

Liverpool Sports (Liverpool standard) August 8, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur have been backed to reach an agreement for AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun for a reduced fee, while Liverpool’s position on Cody Gakpo has created a major obstacle for Spurs.

The report, written around claims from Football Insider’s James O’Rourke, said Tottenham have a “definite plan” to sign Gakpo during the summer transfer window. O’Rourke was quoted as saying there was “definitely substance” to Tottenham’s interest, but he also made clear that Liverpool currently have no intention of allowing the forward to leave.

Gakpo has become one of the most prominent attacking names linked with a move to Tottenham. The Dutch international can operate as a left winger, centre-forward or attacking midfielder, and his versatility is understood to be one of the reasons he has attracted attention from Spurs.

Tottenham are seeking additional attacking quality under head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Reports have suggested that the club want a forward capable of contributing goals while also offering tactical flexibility across the front line.

Earlier reports cited by ESPN claimed that De Zerbi wanted Tottenham to sign Gakpo and that Spurs could offer him a prominent role in the team. ESPN also reported that Tottenham were prepared to propose a contract running until 2031, although an offer of more than £60 million was said to be necessary to test Liverpool’s resolve.

Those claims have not resulted in an official agreement. The latest information instead points towards interest from Tottenham rather than an advanced deal between the two clubs.

What is Liverpool’s response to Gakpo interest?

Liverpool’s reported response has been consistent: the club do not want to sell Gakpo this summer.

Football365, citing O’Rourke, reported that Liverpool were not planning to sanction the forward’s departure. The same report noted that Gakpo has a long-term contract with Liverpool until 2030 and that the club are under no financial pressure to sell him.

The Liverpool Echo previously reported that the Daily Mail and the Evening Standard had both indicated that Liverpool were not actively looking to part company with the Netherlands international. The Mail was said to have reported that Liverpool had “no plan to sell Cody Gakpo” and that it would take a “huge sum” to alter the club’s position.

The Liverpool Echo also reported that Liverpool had not received a bid for Gakpo and that discussions between the two clubs had not begun. That distinction is important because media reports of interest do not necessarily mean that a formal transfer negotiation is under way.

Goal similarly reported that Liverpool had informed Tottenham that Gakpo was not for sale despite Spurs’ willingness to spend heavily. According to that report, Liverpool had no intention of approving a transfer for the player this summer.

The club’s position is also connected to Gakpo’s importance within the current squad. The Liverpool Echo described him as Liverpool’s top-scoring current player following Mohamed Salah’s departure and reported that he is expected to remain an important part of the team.

Liverpool may still consider an offer if Tottenham present a fee substantially above the player’s perceived market value, but the available reports do not suggest that such an offer has arrived.

Has Tottenham spoken to Gakpo’s representatives?

There have been reports of contact between Tottenham and Gakpo’s representatives, although that is separate from negotiations with Liverpool.

The Liverpool Echo reported that TEAMtalk had described discussions between Spurs and the player’s representatives as “positive”. TEAMtalk also claimed that Gakpo was aware of questions surrounding his longer-term role and was not completely convinced that remaining a squad player represented the best option for him at this point in his career.

That report appeared to connect the player’s situation with Liverpool’s interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. If Barcola were to arrive at uk/local/anfield/">Anfield and operate in Gakpo’s preferred position on the left, questions could arise over how regularly Gakpo would start.

However, the Liverpool Echo also noted that Liverpool’s tactical approach could provide opportunities for several wingers. The report suggested that Barcola could be used on the right or rotated with Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz, meaning that the possible arrival of another attacking player would not automatically make Gakpo surplus to requirements.

Any discussions between Tottenham and the player’s representatives would therefore represent an early stage of the process. Liverpool’s approval would still be required, and the club’s reported refusal to sell remains the most significant barrier.

Could Folarin Balogun be Tottenham’s alternative?

Folarin Balogun has emerged as a possible alternative for Tottenham as uncertainty continues over a deal for Gakpo.

ESPN reported that Tottenham were tracking the AS Monaco and United States striker alongside other attacking targets, including Victor Osimhen and Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson. The report also said Balogun had been offered to Tottenham, although contact with Monaco had not yet been made at that stage.

Football365 reported that Tottenham had been backed to agree a deal for Balogun for a “lesser fee”. That claim places the Monaco forward in a different category from Gakpo, whose price would likely be influenced by Liverpool’s reluctance to sell and his long-term contract.

Goal reported on August 7 that Monaco head coach Filipe Luis wanted Balogun to remain at the club despite expecting several offers for the striker. Luis said Balogun was one of Monaco’s players and that he expected interest because of the forward’s previous season and his performances at the World Cup.

As quoted by Goal from MaxiFoot, Luis described Balogun as “a special player” and said there were not many players on the market with his attributes. The Monaco manager added that he would be very happy if Balogun stayed at the club.

Balogun’s contract with Monaco runs until June 2028. Goal reported that the length of that agreement gives Monaco considerable control over the player’s future and places the club in a strong position if formal bids arrive.

The striker’s reported interest from Tottenham is also linked to his previous experience in English football. Balogun came through Arsenal’s academy before moving to Monaco, and several reports have suggested that Premier League clubs are monitoring his availability.

That interest is not proof that Tottenham have abandoned their pursuit of Gakpo. Instead, Balogun appears to be one of several options being considered as Spurs assess the availability and cost of attacking reinforcements.

What other attacking targets are Tottenham considering?

Gakpo and Balogun are not the only forwards linked with Tottenham.

Football365 reported that Liverpool’s Gakpo and Manchester City winger Savinho had been discussed as leading targets for Spurs. ESPN also reported that Tottenham remained interested in both players.espn+1

Savinho would offer Tottenham a different profile from Gakpo. While Gakpo has played regularly in central and left-sided roles, Savinho is primarily associated with wide attacking positions. The two players could therefore be viewed as alternatives in Tottenham’s wider recruitment plans rather than identical targets.

Tottenham’s interest in multiple forwards suggests that the club are exploring more than one route to strengthen their attack. The final decision may depend on transfer fees, contract situations, player preference and the availability of suitable replacements.

Liverpool’s refusal to sell Gakpo makes the situation particularly complicated. Tottenham could decide to increase their offer, wait for Liverpool’s position to change or focus on another player before the end of the window.

What could happen before the transfer window closes?

The immediate outlook is that Tottenham’s interest in Gakpo is genuine but that no agreement is close.

Football365’s report stated that Liverpool do not plan to sell the forward, while the Liverpool Echo reported that no official bid had been received and no club-to-club talks had begun.liverpoolecho+1

For a transfer to progress, Tottenham would first need to convince Liverpool that the financial package justified changing their stance. Liverpool would then need to decide whether losing Gakpo would weaken the squad, particularly if the club are also attempting to add another attacking player.

Gakpo’s own position could become relevant if he believes he would receive a more important role at Tottenham. However, reports about a player’s preferences should not be treated as confirmation that he has requested a transfer or that personal terms have been agreed.

Balogun may offer Tottenham a more achievable route if Monaco are prepared to listen to proposals. Even then, Luis’s comments show that Monaco do not appear to be seeking an unwanted departure, and the player’s contract gives the club time to negotiate.

The available evidence therefore points to a developing transfer story rather than a completed deal. Tottenham are continuing to assess attacking options, while Liverpool are maintaining a firm public position over Gakpo.

What is the background to the Tottenham transfer interest?

Tottenham’s interest in Gakpo comes during a wider attempt to reshape the club’s attacking options under De Zerbi. Reports have linked Spurs with forwards and wingers who can contribute in several positions, reflecting the demands of a modern system that relies on movement and rotation.

Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven and has since established himself as a regular attacking option. His ability to play on the left, through the middle or in a supporting role has increased his value to Liverpool, particularly with the club facing the challenge of maintaining depth across a long season.

Liverpool are also reported to be pursuing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. Fabrizio Romano, quoted by the Liverpool Echo, said official club-to-club talks had begun over Barcola, although the initial financial positions remained far apart.

That context has contributed to speculation about Gakpo’s future, but it does not establish that Liverpool intend to sell him. The club may view Barcola as an additional attacking option rather than a direct replacement.

Balogun’s situation is separate but relevant to Tottenham’s recruitment plans. His performances for Monaco and the United States have increased his profile, while his contract until 2028 means that Monaco can demand a substantial fee if they decide to entertain offers.

How could this development affect Tottenham supporters?

Tottenham supporters should expect continued speculation rather than an immediate announcement involving Gakpo. Liverpool’s reported stance means that Spurs may need to pursue a different target or commit a significantly larger transfer fee if they want to force negotiations.

Balogun could become a more realistic option if Monaco are willing to sell, but Tottenham would still have to agree terms with the French club and the player. The outcome may not be decided until closer to the transfer-window deadline, when clubs reassess their squads and negotiating positions.

For Spurs, the development underlines the importance of maintaining several recruitment options. If Liverpool continue to reject interest in Gakpo, the club’s ability to move quickly for alternatives such as Balogun or Savinho could determine whether Tottenham add the attacking reinforcement they are seeking.