Virgil van Dijk has claimed that reported Liverpool transfer target Cody Gakpo is ready to make the move to a European heavyweight.
Gakpo has been the Netherlands’ standout player at the ongoing World Cup, scoring three goals in four games. Already on the radar of some of the continent’s top teams, interest has now sky rocketed as a result.
Now, in quotes via The Metro, Liverpool’s No.4 has weighed in on his countryman’s future, aiming a sly dig at Manchester United in the process.
“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level?” joked van Dijk, when asked about interest in Gakpo from Real Madrid and United. “No disrespect, not at all.
“I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell. He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue”
Van Dijk states the obvious
It’s actually quite rare for a player to speak so openly about a transfer as van Dijk has done here. Especially given that Liverpool have been so heavily linked with Gakpo.
The assurance with which Virgil speaks only goes to confirm what’s been said elsewhere, though.
Former Liverpool winger Bolo Zenden has expressed a similar view only today, while Dutch TV presenter Hans Kraay echoed those thoughts earlier in the week.
So, van Dijk isn’t exactly stating anything ground-breaking. But it’s interesting nonetheless.
Despite copious reports of interest, Liverpool have been claimed to be an outsider in the race for Gakpo. It’s Man United who appear to be taking the most initiative.
But as the World Cup goes on, perhaps van Dijk can use his influence to convince the Reds to make a move.
His praise of Darwin Nunez having faced him in the Champions League last year appears to have had an impact in Liverpool signing him.
If he can speak about Gakpo with the same reverence, then maybe Jurgen Klopp and co will still go all in on the 23-year-old.
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