5 Liverpool replacements for Cody Gakpo as Tottenham steps up transfer interest

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Liverpool star Cody Gakpo faces a potentially uncertain future at the club, as links persist over a potential big-money transfer elsewhere in the Premier League this summerCody Gakpo has been linked with a Liverpool transfer exit(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))Cody Gakpo could be a surprise transfer exit for Liverpool this summer, as links persist over a possible switch in the transfer window before it slams shut next month.The 27-year-old has been a reliable and versatile presence for the Reds since his switch from PSV Eindhoven, even if he hasn't hit the heights of some others within the team in recent seasons.There were struggles for Gakpo last season, though he wasn't alone in them as the whole Liverpool team appeared to struggle through a difficult campaign. With the forward line set to be recalibrated once again, links have persisted over the summer surrounding a potential transfer to Tottenham.It would be a deal that, while it could weaken Liverpool in the short-term while strengthening rivals, there may be an opportunity to maximize value and enter the transfer market again.While talks are ongoing for Bradley Barcola, he may be more of a Mohamed Salah replacement, meaning that another incoming would be needed to fill the void of Gakpo leaving.So, with that said, here's a look at some potential Gakpo replacements for Liverpool in the transfer market.Kevin Schade (Brentford)Kevin Schade could be an option in the transfer window this summer(Image: (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images))If Liverpool wants a versatile forward who has Premier League experience, then the club must look no further than Brentford's Kevin Schade.The 24-year-old has become a regular for the Bees in the English top flight, with over 100 appearances to his name and 31 goal involvements in that time.While he is predominantly a right-footed left winger, Schade has the presence to play as a striker or even feature on the right, offering the versatility that would appeal to someone like Iraola.With just two years remaining on the German's contract, there may be a chance to land a bargain, though Brentford often drive a hard bargain.Said El Mala (Koln)Said El Mala is a key winger target for the Reds(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)Koln youngster Said El Mala has been linked with Liverpool, along with about half of Europe, but for good reason after an impressive breakout campaign.The 19-year-old scored 13 goals and assisted five times in 34 Bundesliga appearances last season, showing that he has plenty to offer in senior soccer.El Mala is comfortable on both feet, and while he can play on the left, he has also played on the right or as a striker, once again ticking the box for versatility.There may be some concerns over his potential price tag, considering the winger has a deal until 2030, while there may also be some worries surrounding how poorly Bundesliga attackers have usually transitioned to the Premier League in the past.Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)Yankuba Minteh is among the options being considered by Liverpool on the right wing(Image: Getty Images)Yankuba Minteh is a different option for Liverpool, who has been linked as a potential target, with the Brighton winger showing plenty of potential in recent seasons.The 22-year-old fits more as a left-footed right winger, different to Gakpo's profile, but a move that could then see someone like Barcola shift to the left instead.So far, Minteh has yet to put up the numbers with goals or assists to suggest he is ready for a quick rise, but the underlying numbers suggest that he is close to exploding onto the scene with more output.With three years remaining on his contract at Brighton, a transfer may not come cheap, which could come as a concern for the lack of output, but there may be some faith that he develops into a top talent in the coming years.Savinho (Manchester City)Savinho has been linked with the doors of the Etihad Stadium(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)In a similar way to Minteh, it feels as though it is only a matter of time before Savinho pieces together some of his impressive underlying numbers with the output to match it.The Manchester City star has largely featured as a left-footed left winger, another different type of profile, though he has played on the right and has the dribbling ability to create danger for the opposition at almost every turn.At 22, the Brazilian seems destined to be a success somewhere, though links with an exit from Man City suggest that it may not be at the Etihad Stadium.While Tottenham has been heavily linked, if the Lilywhites push for Gakpo, then the funds could be directed from Liverpool into a younger option with plenty of promise in the form of Savinho.Nico Williams (Athletic Club)Nico Williams during an international friendly between Spain and Iraq(Image: Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)If Liverpool is really pushing the boat out for a new winger, then perhaps Nico Williams would be the ideal choice to bolster the team with some real quality.The Athletic Club star has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League, having shown that he has both pace and quality on the ball that would scare any opposition defender.There may be a few concerns, most notably the price, wages, and injury issues that the Spaniard has faced over recent seasons, but the ability is undeniable.At just 24, Williams continues to be one to keep an eye on for the future, if he can piece together a run of games at the highest quality he is capable of producing.