Cody Gakpo has already scored more league goals (six) since joining Liverpool in a £37 million deal from PSV Eindhoven during the January transfer window than Patrick Bamford, Che Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Adam Armstrong, and Sekou Mara combined.
With only two games remaining, it’s tempting to speculate about where Leeds and Southampton might be if they hadn’t agonisingly let the Dutch international slip through their fingers last summer.
After talking with Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal, Gakpo decided against signing a contract with either Leeds or Southampton out of concern that making the wrong decision at the wrong time might endanger his prospects of playing in the World Cup.
Gakpo scored three goals in Qatar, using his left, right, and head, and it soon became clear that two clubs struggling for their lives at the wrong end of the league had squandered their opportunity.
Leeds United and Southampton could have had Cody Gakpo
Compatriot Van Dijk, who is now attempting to help Gakpo qualify for the Champions League at Liverpool, says of fellow countryman Cody: “I have watched Cody play football several times in the Oranje squad.
“It was also evident how much he had changed as a person. I understood that he should take this action. He naturally contributes to the group well as a person.
Last week, Southampton’s relegation was formally confirmed. If they don’t defeat West Ham or Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds will join them in the Championship. It’s easy to believe that Gakpo could have been a game-changing signing at St Mary’s or Elland Road given the fact that both clubs have a severe shortage of reliable finishers.
Van Dijk continues, “(Gakpo) is very special,” in an interview with ViaPlay through VoetbalPrimeur. He is capable of doing everything. Additionally, you must be adaptable when other questions are raised during a battle.
“He (played as) a ‘number eight’ against Real Madrid. I think he does that nicely. Everything is feasible.