Cody Gakpo has opened up about the circumstances that led him to Liverpool instead of Manchester United. The 25-year-old forward is currently experiencing his best spell in England, playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s title charge under Arne Slot.
With Diogo Jota sidelined by injuries and Darwin Nunez struggling for consistency, Gakpo has stepped up this season. His tally of 14 goals in all competitions is proving why Jurgen Klopp was so keen to bring him to Anfield, especially after his standout performances for the Netherlands at the Qatar World Cup.
But things could have been very different. In 2022, Gakpo was a key target for Erik ten Hag, who had already bolstered his Manchester United squad with former Ajax players Lisandro Martinez and Antony. However, despite advanced negotiations, United pulled out at the last moment.
Reflecting on that failed move, Gakpo told TNT Sport, “I was almost planning to leave in the summer of 2022. United wanted me initially, but then things changed, and they didn’t want me anymore.
I had other options, but I prayed about it. Shortly after, I scored my first career hat-trick for PSV against FC Volendam, and I took that as a sign.”
Instead of making an immediate move, Gakpo remained at PSV until the January transfer window before making his switch to Liverpool. Now, he returns to Eindhoven for the first time since his departure as the Reds take on his former club in the Champions League.
“It’ll feel strange,” he admitted. “I’ve never been in the away dressing room before. But once the game starts, I’ll be focused on helping my team win.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, meanwhile, has made a bold decision ahead of this clash. With his team already assured of a top-two finish in the group, he has opted to rest several key players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Instead, Slot is prioritizing their Premier League campaign, with an eye on maintaining their six-point lead at the top of the table.
When asked if he was worried about facing the Eredivisie leaders without his best players, Slot responded confidently: “I wouldn’t say I’m scared.
The result doesn’t really matter for our qualification. Our focus is on Bournemouth and then Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Those are crucial games, so we need to manage our squad carefully.”
Liverpool’s squad rotation has been a key strategy this season, with breaks given to players every few weeks when the schedule allows. This approach has helped them maintain momentum as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.
With Gakpo flourishing and Liverpool carefully managing their resources, the decision to sign him over a year ago is proving to be a masterstroke—one that Manchester United may regret.