Tottenham Shift Focus to Cody Gakpo as Rafael Leao Links Dismissed by Fabrizio Romano

FolioPitch.com – 12 July 2026 | In a fresh twist to Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer plans, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on rumors linking the North London club with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. The key phrase ‘Romano No negotiations Leao links played down as Spurs focus on Liverpool winger’ encapsulates the latest developments, as Spurs reportedly prioritize a move for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo instead.

Rafael Leao’s future at AC Milan has been a subject of speculation for months. After seven years with the Rossoneri, Leao publicly hinted at a departure following the 2025-26 season, only to later soften his stance after compatriot Ruben Amorim took over as head coach. Leao’s performances at the World Cup—scoring a stunning goal against Uzbekistan and assisting Goncalo Ramos in the round of 16—raised questions about whether he might stay under Amorim. However, club sources indicate that Milan’s management views Leao’s time as over and has instructed agent Jorge Mendes to find a buyer, though offers have been scarce.

Enter Tottenham. Reports had suggested that new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi and midfield star Sandro Tonali were keen on bringing Leao to the Premier League. But in a recent video on his YouTube channel, Romano dismissed those claims unequivocally. ‘There are no negotiations between Tottenham and his agent regarding Rafa Leao, nor between Tottenham and Milan,’ Romano stated. He further clarified that Tottenham’s primary target is actually Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, though Liverpool are currently not open to a sale. This effectively reiterates that ‘Romano No negotiations Leao links played down as Spurs focus on Liverpool winger’ is the accurate narrative.

The tactical fit of Leao under Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system has also been questioned. Despite Leao’s ability as a wide playmaker, Amorim’s system demands specific defensive responsibilities that Leao may not provide. This, combined with the club’s desire to cash in, makes a move to Spurs seem unlikely—at least for now. Meanwhile, Gakpo, who has struggled for consistent game time at Liverpool, could be a more natural fit for De Zerbi’s fluid attack. The Dutch international’s versatility and Premier League experience make him an appealing option, though Liverpool’s reluctance to sell poses a significant hurdle.

As the transfer window progresses, the saga surrounding Leao’s future remains unresolved. While Tottenham appear to have moved on, other clubs could still enter the fray. For now, the football world watches to see whether ‘Romano No negotiations Leao links played down as Spurs focus on Liverpool winger’ will prove to be the definitive story of this transfer window. One thing is clear: Leao’s next move will be a defining moment for both the player and AC Milan.