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Liverpool star reveals private role he played during Cody Gakpo transfer talks

Home> Football

Published 16:28 31 Dec 2022 GMT

Liverpool star reveals private role he played during Cody Gakpo transfer talks

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he had discussions with Cody Gakpo over a move to the Reds.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he had discussions with Cody Gakpo over a move to the Reds.

Liverpool reached an agreement with PSV on Boxing Day to sign the 23-year-old, who will officially join the club on January 1.

He was pictured in the stands during the Reds' 2-1 win over Leicester on Friday, which takes them to within two points of the top four.

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Gakpo was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but the Red Devils never placed a formal bid, as per transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.

Instead, the Netherlands international, who netted three goals at the World Cup, joined Liverpool, and could be available for the Reds' clash against Brentford on January 2.

However, due to potential registration issues, Klopp has admitted that Gakpo is more likely to make his debut against Wolves in the FA Cup on January 8.

The forward will join compatriot Van Dijk at Anfield, and the star defender has opened up on rumours of his role in the transfer.

Van Dijk on Gakpo transfer

Speaking after Liverpool's win over Leicester, Van Dijk told Sky Sports that, although his role in the transfer was overplayed, he did speak to Gakpo privately to praise his current employers.

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He explained (quotes via Liverpool Echo): "That was over exaggerated [my role]. I spoke to him. I can only say good things because I'm here, enjoying my time, we've been very successful.

"But the manager said it as well, if it was me it was an easy decision to make, I didn't need convincing.

"If there were any questions, I answered them honestly. I'm glad he's here and gets started as quickly as possible."

Gakpo has been handed the number 18 shirt at Anfield - the same number won by former Netherlands star Dirk Kuyt.

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The forward will likely line up on the left side of Liverpool's attack, but is versatile and can also play centrally, or as part of the Reds midfield.

The Times reporter Paul Joyce has reported that, following the signing, the Reds are unlikely to do any more incoming January business.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

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