Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for Liverpool to retain Cody Gakpo as Manchester City reportedly intensifies their pursuit of the Dutch forward ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The recent signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee potentially reaching £123 million ($166 million) has cast doubt over Gakpo’s future at Anfield. Barcola’s arrival positions him as the second most expensive player in Premier League history and threatens to push Gakpo down the pecking order within the squad.
During his three-and-a-half years at Liverpool, Gakpo has made a significant impact, netting 51 goals and contributing decisively to the club’s 20th English top-flight title in the 2024/25 season.
So far in the current campaign, the 27-year-old has shown promising form, scoring once and assisting another in matches that saw Liverpool draw 2-2 against both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Transfer Rumors and Team Dynamics
Despite Gakpo’s contributions, Liverpool appear open to offers, with Manchester City reportedly prepared to offer £75 million for his services. Van Dijk, however, voiced his hope that the club will hold onto the talented winger.
“He’s a quality player and I think we should keep quality players, but let’s see what the next three days bring,” Van Dijk stated. He emphasized not only Gakpo’s skill but also their personal friendship, adding that the player would remain integral to the team.
Barcola’s decision to join Liverpool marks a significant move, especially as the Reds aim to rebound from a challenging season that saw them finish fifth in the Premier League. As the transfer window approaches its close, the club’s strategy regarding Gakpo’s future remains a focal point for supporters and analysts alike.