Cody Gakpo: From Near United Move to Liverpool Success

Cody Gakpo, the dynamic forward for Liverpool, has recently opened up about how his journey to Anfield was nearly a different story. Before his £40 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, Gakpo was on the brink of joining Manchester United.

United’s Missed Opportunity

As the summer transfer window approached, Manchester United, then under the watchful eye of Erik ten Hag, showed significant interest in Gakpo. The Dutch attacker, after a stellar season in the Eredivisie, seemed like a natural fit for United, especially with ten Hag familiar with his capabilities from his time at Ajax. Despite this, United opted to wait until the final week of the transfer window, eventually spending £85 million on Ajax winger Antony instead. This decision left Gakpo, a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, available for a significantly lower fee.

Gakpo’s Contact With Ten Hag

In an interview with SkySports, Gakpo disclosed his interactions with ten Hag during that period. “Yeah I think it was the summer before that I was in contact with the club,” he said. “I spoke to the manager as well. He’s Dutch, obviously, so I spoke to him. In the end, it didn’t go through and that’s just it. In the winter came Liverpool and it was the best decision for me.”

Thriving At Liverpool

Gakpo’s transition to Liverpool has been a remarkable one. Scoring 18 goals in 65 games, he has proven to be a valuable asset for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Recently, he has been filling in as the No.9 in the absence of Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah, showcasing his adaptability and skill in a central role.

Upcoming Premier League Showdown

Liverpool is now preparing for a monumental Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield. A victory in this high-stakes match would propel Klopp’s team four points ahead of City, with ten games remaining in the season, and keep them in close contention with Arsenal in the title race.

Gakpo’s revelations about his near-move to Manchester United provide an intriguing backdrop to his current success at Liverpool. His journey highlights the unpredictable nature of football transfers and the fine margins that can define a player’s career.