'One year after Son Heung-min left, this is the real replacement.' Tottenham moves into final stages to sign '£1.15 billion left winger'... "Agreement reached with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo"

*This content was translated by AI.

The transfer of Cody Gakpo (27, Liverpool) to Tottenham Hotspur is becoming increasingly likely. As Tottenham restructures its squad by sending Cristian Romero (28) to Atletico Madrid, it has been reported that an agreement on personal terms with Gakpo's side has been reached.

British outlet 'TeamTalk' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Gakpo clearly conveyed his desire to join Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, to Liverpool's leadership," and added that "the player's camp has already agreed in principle on personal terms with Tottenham."

Gakpo's decision to transfer stems from a shift in his standing within Liverpool. After leaving PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 to join Liverpool, Gakpo has made 180 career appearances, recording 50 goals and 23 assists. However, he managed only nine goals and six assists in 52 matches last season, and with Arne Slot, the manager who heavily relied on him, departing the club, it is understood that he feels pressure from the fierce competition for a starting spot under the new managerial regime.

In contrast, Tottenham urgently needs to bolster its attack. Struggling with a lack of goals, scoring just 48 in 38 matches during last season's English Premier League (EPL), the club fought relegation battles until the very end. The media reported that "with even key striker Richarlison likely to leave the team this summer, signing Gakpo has become not an option but a necessity," and added that "De Zerbi emphasized Gakpo's role in the new project and personally took on the task of persuading him."

The remaining procedure is negotiations between clubs over the transfer fee. Liverpool has set Gakpo's valuation at £60 million (approximately 115 billion won), and Tottenham is reportedly willing to meet this demand. The media stated that "if Liverpool completes its current pursuit of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, discussions between both sides are expected to accelerate further."

Meanwhile, since Son Heung-min left the team last year, Tottenham has yet to find a clear successor to take full responsibility for the attack. Gakpo's primary positions are left winger and wing forward, the same as Son Heung-min. Attention is focused on whether he can fully fill Son Heung-min's void upon joining Tottenham and establish himself as a new savior.

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*This content was translated by AI.