Roberto De Zerbi looking puzzled on the touchline, with Hugo Ekitike in a circular inset

Hugo Ekitike could block a big move for Roberto De ZerbiImago

Hugo Ekitike could block Tottenham from completing deal to sign Liverpool starter

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

21 Jun 2026, 1:18 pm

Liverpool could block Cody Gakpo from joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer due to long-term Hugo Ekitike concerns, sources have told Football Insider.

Ekitike suffered an achilles tendon injury towards the end of the season which will see him sidelined until 2027, potentially forcing Liverpool into the market for a striker.

However, there is a feeling at Anfield that Gakpo could provide backup at centre-forward while Ekitike is out, allowing them to save funds on a new forward.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are reluctant to let Gakpo leave as a result of his new place in Andoni Iraola's squad.

That has come as a blow to Tottenham's plans, as Roberto De Zerbi had identified the Netherlands international as a leading candidate to strengthen his squad.

Spurs are planning to sign at least one new winger this summer, and Gakpo still ranks highly on their list, but it may now be difficult to pull off a deal.

Could Tottenham make a move to sign Cody Gakpo?

Football Insider revealed on 20 June that De Zerbi is a big fan of Gakpo and remains very keen to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

While Spurs are eyeing a number of targets to play out wide ahead of the new season, Gakpo's Premier League experience has placed him firmly on their radar.

However, their efforts to sign him could be blocked by Liverpool, who as things stand are not entertaining offers for the striker this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "A lot will depend on what Liverpool do in the transfer market with regard to Gakpo's long-term future.

"They're a bit short up front due to Hugo Ekitike's injury and Gakpo in the last few weeks of season was playing as a number nine rather than out wide on the left.

"That was because of Ekitike's absense as well as Alexander Isak's injury, so if Liverpool don't bring in another forward, it's unlikely that they would be able to let Gakpo leave.

"They've obviously done a deal to sign Victor Munoz, so that will increase competition for places in Gakpo’s preferred left-side position."

Will Liverpool's stance on selling Gakpo change?

Iraola's side officially announced earlier this week that they have agreed a deal to sign Osasuna forward Victor Munoz, who could push Gakpo down the pecking order.

Following the arrival of Munoz at Anfield, they could open the door for the forward to move on, with Spurs keeping a close eye on his situation in case he becomes available.

Meanwhile, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 20 June that Liverpool could sign a new striker as a direct replacement for Ekitike.

That would also push Gakpo down the pecking order at centre-forward as well as out wide, further opening the door for Tottenham to swoop.

As things stand, it seems likely that the Nethertlands international will only be allowed to leave Anfield if multiple new siginigs are made first.

Hugo Ekitike