Toby Alderweireld has warned Liverpool that selling Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur could hand the London club a Champions League advantage. The former Spurs defender believes the Reds would be making a mistake in allowing the Netherlands international to join a club he expects to challenge for a top-four finish.
Gakpo's Liverpool future in question
Gakpo has been linked with a move to Roberto de Zerbi's side all summer, despite Liverpool having no immediate plans to sell the 27-year-old due to a lack of forward options. The winger was criticised by some fans last season after underperforming during a campaign that led to Arne Slot's dismissal as head coach.
Tottenham have already spent nearly £250 million this summer, also bringing in former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and ex-Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi on free transfers.
Alderweireld's warning
Speaking to Hajper, Alderweireld said: "I don’t understand why Liverpool would sell Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur because he is a primary player for any team. He’s big but he’s quick and can play left and right, coming inside to go direct to goal. When I watch him he’s always in the box when the ball is on the other side of the pitch. He’s a very good player."
He added: "Maybe after last season Liverpool feel a bit hurt by how they played under Arne Slot and they want to change a lot with a real makeover now they’ve appointed Andoni Iraola, but I think even for the Netherlands we have seen how good Gakpo is. If he goes to Spurs, I think it would be a good signing because don’t forget he’s a Premier League winner. He performed very well the year before last season when they won it. He could make Spurs stronger and Liverpool weaker when they’re fighting for a Champions League place."
Title race implications
Alderweireld also suggested that if Manchester City lose Rodri to Real Madrid, the title race could open up for Liverpool, Manchester United, or even Tottenham. "Rodri is such a big part of Manchester City and we saw that when he was injured and how much they struggled," he said. "His position for City has been crucial, and tactically he is so important to how they’ve won so many games and titles. If Rodri moves to Real Madrid, the title race will be wide open for someone like Liverpool, Manchester United or even Tottenham Hotspur to challenge Arsenal this season."
