“You can have him” – Liverpool make decision over forward

“You can have him” – Liverpool make decision over forward Cody Gakpo, Djed Spence and Liverpool transfer talks explained Liverpool’s summer planning has produced a fresh talking point, with Cody Gakpo and Djed Spence now part of the same conversation as Tottenham consider their options and Anfield weighs up squad balance. According to Darren Lewis on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Liverpool’s stance to Tottenham has been framed in very specific terms. Discussing Spence first, Lewis said: “I’m not surprised that Liverpool like him because he is very versatile. He can play on the left side as well as the right side. He would compete for a place with [Jeremie] Frimpong.” He then outlined the core of the discussion around Gakpo and Spence, stating: “Looking at the Gakpo potential deal, Liverpool have said, ‘Yeah, you can have him, but we want Spence’; and £30m-£35m will change hands.” Lewis added: “I think a deal is there to be done because Spence will definitely want to go [to Liverpool]. I would be staggered come the end of the window if he is still a Tottenham player. If Liverpool follow up their interest with a bid, I think he would want to go.” Gakpo future remains key Liverpool decision For Liverpool, this is less about one headline move and more about shaping the squad for Andoni Iraola. Gakpo remains an established senior attacker, experienced at Premier League and international level, and the club’s publicly reported preference in recent days has been to strengthen the forward department rather than thin it out. That context matters. Liverpool have already lost Mohamed Salah this summer, while Hugo Ekitike is unavailable for the rest of the calendar year. In those circumstances, moving a player of Gakpo’s quality would require clear internal conviction that the overall structure of the attack will remain strong enough across a long campaign. There is, of course, another side to the equation. Gakpo operates in an area where Liverpool have options, with younger wide players pushing for opportunities. If the coaching staff believe minutes on the left can be redistributed, then a difficult sale becomes easier to justify. Djed Spence profile fits squad need Spence is attractive for practical reasons. Liverpool’s right-back depth has looked vulnerable, with Conor Bradley still managing fitness issues and Jeremie Frimpong another player whose workload will need careful handling. That leaves a genuine requirement for another dependable option who can play regularly and cover multiple roles. Spence ticks several boxes. He is 25, homegrown, athletic and comfortable on either flank. That versatility would appeal to Iraola, particularly in a system that asks full-backs to defend large spaces and contribute in transition. The valuation is where this becomes more complex. If Tottenham sense strong Liverpool interest, and if a player exchange is under discussion, the final numbers would need to reflect both Gakpo’s standing and Spence’s market value after an impressive rise in profile. Liverpool transfer talks worth watching At this stage, the clearest reading is that there is logic for all parties, even if the move remains some distance from completion. Tottenham admire Gakpo, Liverpool see usefulness in Spence, and the financial gap appears bridgeable if the appetite is genuine on both sides. That does not guarantee a deal. Liverpool will be careful before sanctioning the exit of a proven attacker, especially one capable of contributing across the front line. Yet the fact that the two names are being discussed together suggests this is more than routine transfer noise. If negotiations do progress, the decision at Anfield will come down to a simple question, whether solving right-back depth is worth sacrificing a major attacking option. That is the calculation behind this story, and it is why the Gakpo and Spence situation now deserves close attention. Our View From a sceptical Liverpool perspective, this feels like the sort of deal that sounds neat on paper and far less convincing once you examine the details. Spence is a good player and there is a clear need for another full-back, but moving Gakpo in the same breath carries obvious risk. Gakpo has delivered in big moments, knows the league, and offers versatility across the attack. Liverpool have already lost Salah, and Ekitike being sidelined only sharpens the concern. That is not the backdrop for casually offloading one of the more reliable senior forwards in the squad. There is also the question of value. If Liverpool are effectively allowing Tottenham access to Gakpo while paying £30m-£35m on top in a structure involving Spence, supporters will want to understand exactly how the club is pricing both assets. Gakpo is a high-level international forward in his prime. He should not be treated like a movable part simply because the squad needs a right-back. Spence may well suit Iraola, and if Liverpool sign him outright most fans would probably see the logic. Tying that pursuit to Gakpo feels much harder to endorse. Unless there is another attacking addition lined up, many supporters would view this as solving one problem by creating another. Liverpool need depth, certainty and proven quality. Moving Gakpo now would test all three.