Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo

Manchester United were hit with another blow after their priority transfer target Cody Gakpo was taken away by Liverpool in a blink of an eye. The Red Devils were considered as favourites to acquire the services of the wantaway winger who had held talks with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, now heading the project at Old Trafford. However, while United languished behind where it mattered, in locking a transfer fee, Liverpool put their money where their mouth is to flee away with the talented player.

But the £50 million package, where Liverpool will pay a fixed fee of £37 million and add-ons worth £13 million, was not the only advantage the Reds held over Man United. ‘Agent’ Virgil van Dijk made a significant contribution in convincing his Netherlands’ teammate Gakpo to join him at Anfield, as revealed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Cody Gakpo
PSV have announced the sale of Cody Gakpo to Liverpool. Credits: Twitter

Cody Gakpo spoke to Virgil van Dijk – Romano on Liverpool defender playing his part

Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk have been teammates for a while now at the Netherlands’ national team, after the winger made his international debut during the EURO 2020 last year in June. However, Gakpo managed only 11 minutes throughout the tournament where the Netherlands were knocked out of the Round of 16 in an embarrassing defeat to Czech Republic.

But it didn’t take much time for Gakpo to establish his place in the Netherlands’ starting eleven, as he started their every game at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as well. Although the Dutch bowed out from the quarterfinals at the hands of eventual champions Argentina, Cody Gakpo was the revelation of the tournament, netting a brilliant 3 goals in 5 games.

It was enough to convince Liverpool who were in a dire need of a winger after losing Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota to long term injuries to go all out for Gakpo. And Romano claims it was then when Van Dijk spoke to his Netherlands’ teammate Gakpo to convince him to snub United for Liverpool. The Italian journalist revealed:

“Cody Gakpo will travel to England in order to complete medical tests as new Liverpool player. Contract already agreed and signed. Gakpo spoke to Virgil van Dijk when the official bid was submitted – and he’s now set to be unveiled as new LFC player.”

Virgil van Dijk has played his part to help Liverpool off the pitch as well, since Gakpo had set his heart over a move to United. Moreover, despite the Red Devils having three Dutchman in their camp, in left-back Tyrell Malacia, Donny van de Beek and Erik ten Hag himself, it was the sole one present in Liverpool dressing room Virgil van Dijk who worked his magic and helped his club get their hands on the highly rated attacker.

Apart from an outstanding World Cup, Cody Gakpo had been in scintillating form for PSV going into the global tournament. The 23-year-old had scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in all competitions for the Dutch side before making his move to Merseyside. Gakpo will now undergo his medical and complete all the formalities in Liverpool, as he is expected to be officially unveiled by the club this week itself.