Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly refusing to sanction Mikey Moore’s loan move to Cologne until Tottenham Hotspur strengthen their attacking options, with Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo the player Spurs are currently pursuing.
Moore’s move to Germany is essentially agreed, but the 19-year-old must wait for Tottenham to give him permission to leave.
That approval appears to depend on De Zerbi getting another forward through the door first.
Mikey Moore’s Cologne loan is waiting for approval
According to BILD Rhineland, Cologne have negotiated a season-long loan for Moore without an option to buy.
The Bundesliga club are keen to strengthen their squad and sporting chief Thomas Kessler has indicated that new arrivals are expected shortly.
Moore is one of those they hope to bring in.
However, the deal has stalled because De Zerbi does not want to weaken his attacking options before Tottenham secure another signing.
There is currently no suggestion Cologne are preparing to abandon the move. They still expect Moore to eventually arrive in Germany.
Cody Gakpo could unlock the deal
The player who could finally allow Moore to leave is Cody Gakpo.
Tottenham are working on a move for the Liverpool forward, who has already spoken with De Zerbi and is reportedly open to joining Spurs.
Liverpool have been assessing a Tottenham proposal worth more than €60million, with Spurs keen to complete the transfer quickly.
Gakpo's arrival would give De Zerbi another established option across the frontline and could therefore provide the green light for Moore to complete his move to Cologne.
For now, the two transfers appear closely connected.
Moore needs regular football
A loan to Cologne could provide Moore with the regular senior minutes Tottenham cannot currently guarantee.
The winger remains highly rated at Spurs, which is reflected by the structure of the proposed agreement. There will be no purchase option, ensuring Tottenham retain complete control over his long-term future.
His situation could also explain why De Zerbi is unwilling to release him prematurely.
Until Gakpo or another attacking reinforcement arrives, Moore remains an important depth option heading into the new Premier League season.
Key Points
- Roberto De Zerbi is delaying Mikey Moore’s departure from Tottenham.
- Cologne have already negotiated a season-long loan without an option to buy.
- The German club still expect the transfer to eventually be completed.
- De Zerbi wants Tottenham to sign another attacker before releasing Moore.
- Cody Gakpo is Tottenham’s current target for that role.
- Gakpo has reportedly spoken with De Zerbi and is open to joining Spurs.
- Liverpool have been assessing an offer worth more than €60m.
- Gakpo's arrival could immediately unlock Moore's loan move.
What's Next?
The focus now turns to Tottenham's negotiations for Gakpo.
If Spurs can reach an agreement with Liverpool, De Zerbi would have the reinforcement he wants and Moore could quickly receive permission to travel to Germany and complete his loan.
Until then, Cologne must wait.
The Moore agreement itself does not appear to be the problem — Tottenham's need for an attacking replacement is currently the final obstacle.
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