Journalist: Liverpool need two signings before forward can leave

Journalist: Liverpool need two signings before forward can leave Cody Gakpo to Tottenham: Lewis Steele Explains What Liverpool Could Do Next Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool future remains uncertain as Tottenham Hotspur continue to show interest in the Netherlands international, but any departure appears closely connected to Liverpool’s own attacking recruitment. Speaking to Dave Davis on the latest Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele discussed the possibility of Gakpo joining Tottenham, the conflicting information surrounding the deal and the circumstances that could eventually convince Liverpool to sanction an exit. At present, there is still no certainty that Gakpo will leave Anfield. Steele’s assessment, however, suggested the situation could change quickly if Liverpool complete their planned forward signings. Tottenham interest in Gakpo remains active Davis raised the subject after highlighting reports that Tottenham remain interested in Gakpo and have spoken to the player’s representatives, despite Liverpool maintaining that the forward is not for sale. He also referenced reports claiming Gakpo has already spoken to Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi and that an agreement over personal terms may have been reached. The situation, as Steele explained, reflects a transfer window containing plenty of conflicting information. “I’m really struggling with this transfer window because there’s a lot of stuff that gets said and then it ends up not being true.” Steele pointed towards the Ibrahim Mbaye situation as another example of different accounts emerging from different sides. “One side saying one thing, one side saying the complete opposite.” His conclusion was that the eventual answer often sits somewhere between those competing versions. “I always think the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.” Liverpool signings could unlock Tottenham move The decisive factor in Gakpo’s future could be what Liverpool do next in the transfer market. Steele suggested Liverpool may be prepared to consider an offer from Tottenham once they have strengthened their forward options. “If Liverpool get their two wingers through the door, then I’m sure that they would entertain a bid for Cody Gapo.” That possibility would still depend on Tottenham meeting Liverpool’s financial expectations. “If it reached the price that they they want.” Steele also believes Tottenham have the financial capacity to make a serious move. “We know that Spurs have got the money because they’re talking about signing Savinho as well.” With only a limited amount of the transfer window remaining, Steele expects several situations to accelerate. “There’s only two weeks to go and there’s an awful lot to sort out, but it could all happen quite quickly as as we’ve seen in previous windows.” Photo: IMAGO Bradley Barcola could have major impact Bradley Barcola was central to the wider conversation around Liverpool’s attacking plans. Steele suggested that if Liverpool complete a move for the PSG forward and then add another attacker, Gakpo’s departure becomes considerably easier to envisage. “If Liverpool get Barcola plus one other maybe it’s not Mbaye, maybe it’s another forward that we don’t know about yet.” Liverpool have already completed deals this summer that emerged with little warning, something Steele believes could happen again. “We’ve seen with Munoz, we’ve seen with Araujo, things do come out of the of the woodwork just like that.” He therefore refused to assume that Mbaye would necessarily be the second forward arriving alongside Barcola. That potential incoming business would then open the door for Tottenham. Gakpo departure remains possible Steele’s most direct assessment came when he mapped out what he believes could happen during the closing stages of the window. “I think he will be coming through the door maybe one more and then maybe Gakpo will leave.” The comment makes clear that Gakpo’s future cannot be viewed separately from Liverpool’s recruitment. His exit could also create further consequences elsewhere in Andoni Iraola’s squad, with Steele mentioning Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott while discussing the possible knock on effect of Liverpool’s transfer activity. “We’ll have to see a knock on effect as well with the likes of Harvey Elliot.” For now, Tottenham’s interest remains part of an unfinished transfer picture. Liverpool are still working on attacking additions, Spurs remain linked with Gakpo and Steele believes the Dutchman could leave if the necessary pieces fall into place. Much may therefore depend on Liverpool completing their own business first. If Barcola and another forward arrive, the prospect of Gakpo joining Tottenham becomes far more realistic.