The race to sign Cody Gakpo just got a lot more interesting.
For quite some time it was reported that Gakpo’s most likely destination in January is Manchester United, and, to be honest, that made a lot of sense
Indeed, with fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag at the helm – the pair also share an agent, Cristiano Ronaldo departing and strong reported interest, it seemed for all the world that Gakpo was headed to Old Trafford in 2023.
However, there has been a twist in the tale.
Indeed, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, United’s recent poor financial results may mean that they don’t make a single signing in the January transfer window.
“Aside of whether they want to sign any players during January, they’re very conscious of complying with Financial Fair Play rules,” Sheth said on Sky.
“I think there’s every chance they won’t sign anyone in the January transfer window.
“I know that’s not what Manchester United fans might want to hear, but I think there’s a long-term strategy in place with United and a lot of the clubs where they always seem to focus on the summer transfer window, and January is almost looked at as an emergency option – and I don’t think United are at that stage where it’s an emergency option.”
This blows the Gakpo race wide open, and now, one has to imagine that Liverpool have every chance of securing his signature.
Not only have Liverpool been linked, but the Reds are also now in need of a new attacker after news of Luis Diaz’s surgery emerged last week.
With Roberto Firmino’s contract up in the summer, Gakpo could also serve as a long-term replacement for the Brazilian, and while other clubs are keen, Liverpool are undoubtedly a club that has a massive amount of pull in the transfer market.
The ‘dangerous’ attacker can play anywhere across the front three, and he could be perfect for Liverpool.
Don’t be surprised if this young man now ends up at Anfield with Manchester United seemingly out of the race.
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