Cody Gakpo discussed moving to Liverpool in 2022.
Moving to Liverpool that winter was the “best decision” for Cody Gakpo, who has disclosed that he had conversations about a deal with Manchester United in the summer of 2022.
Before joining the Reds in January 2023, the dynamic forward played for PSV Eindhoven’s first team for five years; nonetheless, he had the option to end up with their opponents.
Gakpo had discussions with Erik ten Hag about moving to Old Trafford during his first summer as United’s manager, but a deal could not be concluded. Gakpo stayed with PSV until the winter transfer window, at which point he paid £35.4 million to join Liverpool.
Gakpo discussed the nature of these transfer negotiations with United and why it would be preferable for him to stay and await Liverpool’s approach in an interview with Sky Sports.
“It was before the summer when I joined Liverpool.” Gakpo stated, “I spoke with the manager as well because he is Dutch and I was in communication with the club [United].
“In the end, everything didn’t work out, and Liverpool arrived over the winter. For me, that was the right choice.”
Gakpo started last week’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea, although he has been in and out of the Liverpool team this season due to a variety of injuries.
The Dutchman gave Jurgen Klopp a lot of credit for his assistance in guiding the Reds through this difficult situation and making sure they are still competitive at this point in the season.
Without us having some really good players who are incredibly crucial to the squad, Klopp’s specialty is giving us the confidence that we can succeed despite our difficult injury situation’, Gakpo continued.
“We have managed through the situation, that’s because of the young players who have come in, the manager, his staff, and the fans – the togetherness, this total picture, it gets us through.”