The article recounts Cody Gakpo's unexpected journey from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool, detailing his near-miss with Manchester United, his lighthearted prediction about his Premier League destination, and the divine intervention that ultimately led him to Anfield.
The Dutch winger, Cody Gakpo , made a highly anticipated move from PSV Eindhoven to Anfield in January 2023 for a reported £45 million. His transfer followed an impressive showing at the 2022 World Cup alongside his future Liverpool teammate and captain, Virgil van Dijk. Gakpo had already amassed 13 goals and 17 assists in just 24 games during the first half of the 2022/23 season, attracting the attention of numerous Premier League clubs, including Liverpool 's fierce rivals, Manchester United .
Gakpo had actually revealed in March 2023 that he had engaged in conversations with Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag about a potential move to Old Trafford. 'I think it was the summer before that I was in contact with the club and spoke to the manager as well, but it didn't go through,' he shared, adding that there was reported interest from Premier League clubs around the 2020/2021 season. Adding a touch of the divine to his transfer saga, Gakpo recalled a conversation with his church pastor in Holland who claimed God told him he would one day play for Liverpool. Gakpo, at the time focused on a potential move to Manchester United, 'laughed it off,' seemingly unconvinced about a future at Anfield.However, United opted to pursue a deal for Antony from rivals Ajax, effectively eliminating Gakpo as a target for the Red Devils. This left Leeds and Southampton as his primary options in the Premier League. Intriguingly, Gakpo had even made a lighthearted prediction regarding his transfer destination: 'if I score only one time, I’ll go to Southampton…. If I score two times, I’ll go to Leeds…. If I score three times, I’ll stay.' Gakpo scored twice and was 'involved' in a third goal before being substituted, but the latter was ultimately awarded as an own goal. The winger had decided on a move to Leeds and had come to terms with that prospect. But fate had other plans. After the game, it was revealed that the third goal was indeed awarded to Gakpo, forcing him to reconsider his decision and remain at PSV for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After being eliminated by Argentina in Lusail, Gakpo took a brief vacation to Dubai before returning to club football. Suddenly, his brother received a call from Gakpo's agents, informing him that a Premier League club was in serious talks and a move was 'close.' To everyone's surprise, Cody Gakpo signed for Liverpool on Boxing Day 2022 and made his debut for the Reds on January 14th, 2023, in a 3-0 away loss to Brighton.Gakpo has since discussed Liverpool's chances of winning the Premier League title this season and the differences between Arne Slot's (his former manager at PSV) and Jurgen Klopp's footballing styles, highlighting the club's seamless transition
Cody Gakpo Liverpool Manchester United PSV Eindhoven Transfer World Cup Premier League Jurgen Klopp Arne Slot
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