It went down to the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, but Roberto De Zerbi successfully guided Tottenham Hotspur to safety, keeping them in the top division while rivals West Ham suffered the consequences.

With the Italian coach now in charge, major changes were always expected this summer as Tottenham look to create something meaningful and build a stronger future under his leadership.

Rather than searching for a temporary solution, De Zerbi’s aim is to establish a long-term project that can restore the North London club’s status after several disappointing seasons.

Despite having limited time to turn things around, De Zerbi made a huge impact and helped Spurs escape trouble. Several first-team players, including James Maddison, have already spoken positively about the manager’s methods and influence.

Things could hardly have been more difficult during Igor Tudor’s time in charge, and the arrival of a manager like De Zerbi — someone who is extremely passionate, fully immersed in football, and emotionally involved on the touchline — has brought a fresh energy to the team.

Once Tottenham’s Premier League survival was confirmed, attention quickly shifted toward summer decisions: which players would remain, who would leave, and which new faces could strengthen the squad.

De Zerbi targets Gakpo

One player reportedly attracting De Zerbi’s interest is Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.

The 27-year-old Dutch attacker, who recently scored twice in the Netherlands’ 5-1 World Cup victory over Sweden, faced criticism for his performances with Liverpool last season. However, De Zerbi appears to see qualities in Gakpo that could make him an important part of his plans.

The interest in Gakpo appears to be significant, with reports suggesting that De Zerbi has personally requested the Dutch forward and is prepared to offer him a long-term contract running until 2031. The Italian coach reportedly sees Gakpo as a key figure in Tottenham’s attacking system — a role he has not always enjoyed at Liverpool.

This comes after Spurs’ reported moves for players such as Andrew Robertson, Jean Paul van Hecke, and Marcos Senesi, while the club is also said to be seriously interested in adding Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Savinho to the squad.

A respectable return in 2025/26

If Tottenham manage to complete all of their targeted signings, it would be a major summer window for the club. However, the potential move for Gakpo stands out as one of the most intriguing.

The Dutch forward featured in 52 matches last season, scoring nine goals and registering three assists across all competitions.

Although only Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Hugo Ekitike recorded better attacking numbers, Szoboszlai was the only player among that group to feature in more matches than Gakpo. Ekitike appeared in 45 games, while Salah played 41 — both fewer than the Dutch forward.

Because of that, there is some justification behind the criticism that Gakpo failed to deliver as much as he could have last season.

Room for improvement

Gakpo did hit the post or crossbar more times than any other Liverpool player during the 2025/26 campaign, with four efforts denied by the woodwork. Had those chances gone in, the level of criticism surrounding his performances may have been much lower.

He also recorded 15 fast breaks, a figure only surpassed by Ekitike and Salah, showing that he still contributed positively in Liverpool’s attacking play.

A shot accuracy rate of 47.76% and a conversion rate of only 8.04% played a major role in the belief that Gakpo endured a below-par season.

However, the numbers also show a different side of the story. His 112 total attempts were the highest in the Liverpool squad, while only Ekitike managed to score more big chances than Gakpo’s seven. If De Zerbi can unlock his full potential, the Dutch forward could improve those attacking statistics significantly.

No question about his work rate

Gakpo’s passing accuracy of 80.14% was actually better than the figures recorded by Salah and Ekitike, although it remained below the level of many other Liverpool players.

In De Zerbi’s system, which demands quick, precise, and controlled passing, improving this part of his game would be essential if he is to succeed at Tottenham.

One thing Gakpo has never lacked is commitment and effort.

Gakpo’s physical contribution and defensive work rate were also among the positives from his 2025/26 campaign. He contested 426 one-on-one duels, the highest figure in the Liverpool squad, and won 205 of them — making him one of only four players, alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Ryan Gravenberch, to surpass the 200 mark.

His 131 aerial duels were also bettered only by defensive duo Van Dijk and Konate, while his 15 interceptions and 51.43% tackle success rate highlighted another strong aspect of his overall game.

Gakpo may already have made his decision

With Mohamed Salah now gone from Liverpool and Hugo Ekitike returning from a serious injury, it remains uncertain how willing the club will be to consider any approach from Tottenham for Gakpo — especially since the Dutchman only recently committed his future to the Reds by signing a new contract.

Alexander Isak will need to keep proving his value if he is to maintain his place, and if Liverpool are serious about building depth and competition in attack, having four reliable strikers available could be the right approach.

However, it is understood that Gakpo has already been informed about the role he could play at Tottenham. That said, his decision may already be leaning in one direction, and Liverpool can ill afford any unrest within a dressing room that is still trying to rediscover the form they showed two seasons ago.