Liverpool set to steal Cody Gakpo right from under Manchester United noses with deal close

The interest shown in PSV Eindhoven forward and captain Cody Gakpo by Manchester United has been heavily documented in the last few months. Still, North West Rivals Liverpool seem to have stolen the signature of the Dutch forward. 

Erik Ten Hag has been interested in Dutch sensation Cody Gakpo for some time. The United manager encouraged interest in the PSV forward in the summer, and his interest was shown to be well founded with the explosive form that Gakpo has been in during the domestic season — 9 goals and 12 assists, a tally only matched by Erling Haaland within European football. 

This interest was further backed by the performances of the 23-year-old in the national team, where he shone under former United boss Louis van Gaal at the inaugural winter World Cup — scoring in every group stage game. 

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However, his domestic and international form has only alerted some of European football’s biggest clubs. One of them being United’s most fierce rivals, Liverpool, who are on the lookout for recruitment in the attacking areas due to the long-term injuries of Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino. 

The first details of the move came when it was revealed that Liverpool had made a move for Cody Gakpo on Monday evening as they looked to overtake Manchester United in the chase for the Holland forward, detailed by The Times. 

The approach should be of no surprise; as mentioned, they have attacking desires of their own that need fulfilling, with the inconsistent goal-scoring of Darwin Núñez not being the answer as they look to challenge for a contending European spot. 

The advancement in negotiations was further backed up by The Athletic: “The Premier League club [Liverpool]  hopes to finalise the transfer quickly, ahead of the transfer window reopening on January 1. The initial fee is likely to be around £37 million.”

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PSV have clarified that they will entertain bids for their star man, with many speculating that it is down to their current financial troubles. Former United striker and now PSV coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has publicly stated a deal will more than likely take place in the January window. 

“If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now, you know there comes a time when you can’t say, ‘no’,” Van Nistelrooy said to The Times.

With Cody Gakpo likely not ending up at Old Trafford as Liverpool are now set to complete a deal for the Dutchman, United may look to strike a potential deal with Atlético Madrid around João Félix. 

Many at United have long admired the Portuguese, dating back to his exploits at Benfica. Now that the forward relationships with Atlético seem to have declined to no return, a move away is a resolution both parties want in January. 

Manchester United could provide a solution to their problems.