Jose Enrique thinks ‘Manchester United fans will go against Virgil van Dijk’ for suggesting they aren’t at the same level as Real Madrid amid transfer talk around Liverpool target, Cody Gakpo.
The former Liverpool left-back thinks, if Gakpo had a choice, then he would pick Real Madrid and he is certain that the Netherlands star will move next summer, even if it’s not to the La Liga champions, as he posted on his Instagram story.
The 23-year-old has been a key reason behind his Dutch side sitting in the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup, where one of the pre-tournament favourites, Argentina, await them.
Gakpo has three goals to his name on football’s biggest stage and it has resulted in many teams across Europe, including Liverpool and Man United, wanting to secure the talents of the £45 million versatile PSV star.
But amid that talk, van Dijk has questioned if Man United and Real Madrid ‘are at the same level’, as quoted by the Mirror, and Enrique thinks he’s absolutely correct to make those comments.
“I couldn’t agree more here with van Dijk,” said Enrique. “Manchester United fans will go against van Dijk, but you have to be realistic.
“It’s like Liverpool, at the moment, we aren’t at the level of Manchester City or Real Madrid. I am talking about this season. During the last few seasons, definitely, they have been up there with the best.
“Manchester United has been for a very, very long time now, not this kind of level, so like van Dijk mentioned, he is his teammate for the Netherlands, if he has a chance to join Manchester United or Real Madrid, then I am sure, he will join Real Madrid.
“This is the club with the most Champions Leagues in Europe. If you don’t have Real Madrid, then you have Manchester United, then I am not sure it’s a good move for him. It depends on where Manchester United finished. I believe he will move at the end of the season as well.”
GAKPO’S PRICE GROWING
Well, a few more millions have probably been put on Gakpo’s head now that he is shining on the World Cup stage.
And with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, and Argentina standing in their way, if Gakpo shines and outperforms a certain Lionel Messi on the same pitch, then his stature will only grow.
For Liverpool, whilst someone like Gakpo would add even more depth to their forward areas, in truth, it’s not what Jurgen Klopp is looking for right now.
That might work in Man United’s favour because if they knock for Gakpo in January, then they might find that Liverpool won’t battle it out with them for his signature because they will be focused on adding a much-needed midfielder(s) to their ranks.
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