Liverpool’s new signing Cody Gakpo has admitted that he initially believed he would sign with Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Gakpo signed a £37 million deal as he moved from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool last week after scoring three goals in five games for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar.
United supporters were stunned into silence when the Dutch club revealed the transfer late on Boxing Day evening over a week ago.
Gakpo was heavily linked to a move to Old Trafford in the weeks leading up to this month’s transfer window. It was widely expected that he would sign with the club and team up with fellow countryman Erik ten Hag.
The winger had discussions with Ten Hag in the summer about the possibility of joining the Reds, as he revealed back in October. In the end, the United Board was unable to act swiftly. But despite having spent his whole club career on the left wing, the Netherlands’ star striker was recognised as a realistic target due to United’s dire need for a striker.
The dynamic forward has now said that he thought he would sign with United in the summer due to the club’s intense interest at the time.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, he said:
“It was difficult this summer. It was a very intense period. I tried to find my peace, but it was difficult. I thought I was going to Manchester United, but in the end it didn’t work out. Leeds United came in. They are a good club, but I asked myself if I should really go there and when you have a lot of doubts, it is not good.”
Gakpo was happy to enhance his reputation at the World Cup, scoring important goals in the group stages before Holland was ultimately defeated by Argentina on penalties at the end of a thrilling quarterfinal.
Klopp immediately discussed a deal since he was already dealing with a lot of injury issues. Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are sidelined, and the Reds needed to have a good backup option in place.
Gakpo’s versatility is key, as he can play both as a winger and an attacker. The Liverpool fans would be eagerly waiting to see him don the red shirt and score goals for their side.
