Liverpool pipping Manchester United to the signing of Cody Gakpo has been described as a ‘classic bit of business’.
According to Fabrizio Romano in December, via GiveMeSport, as covered by HITC Sport, the Red Devils were in advanced talks to sign the Netherlands international.
However, on Boxing Day it was announced out of the blue that Liverpool had struck a deal to sign the Dutch winger.
And two days later, the Anfield outfit themselves confirmed.
Missing out on Gakpo would’ve hurt his compatriot Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, but seeing him go to Liverpool of all clubs is a lot more gauling indeed.
Here’s what Joleon Lescott said to LiveScore about the ‘shock signing’, praising the Reds for their transfer approach yet again.
He said: “Liverpool kicked things off with the shock signing Cody Gakpo from under the noses of Manchester United — a classic bit of business. Despite their struggles on the pitch this season, the Reds have led the way alongside Manchester City in recent years when it comes to showing other clubs how to conduct their transfer dealings.
“When they want to sign a player, you don’t really hear about it until it’s suddenly done. It’s similar with tying down their stars to new contracts.”
They’re laughing now, but Gakpo still has to prove himself a good signing by Liverpool.
Darwin Nunez was also linked to Manchester United when Jurgen Klopp struck last summer, spending £85 million on him – a club record.
And although he could prove a revelation in English football, and probably will get much better, so far you have to say he is struggling, but hopefully Gakpo avoids the same fate.
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