Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has pushed the club to maintain their partnership with Cody Gakpo as the transfer window is in the critical phase, when the team are being linked to the likes of Manchester City. City and Liverpool have begun talks with international media about a possible deal for the Netherlands centre half-forward worth about £85 million ($115 million) according to reports from the international media.
Liverpool are believed to have been hesitant to part with the 26-year-old unless they can find attacking back-up. The Reds have already inked an overall deal with French side Paris Saint-Germain for winger Bradley Barcola to the tune of £123 million ($166 million), with the team planning to sign Barcola after he finishes his medical.
Liverpool, however, are looking to add another attacking threat before they consider signing Gakpo. The Dutchman might be one of the big transfers in the final days of the window.
The Catalan giants are keeping a close eye on the situation, and they are looking at how they can go about putting the versatile striker in the centre of their midfield. Gakpo can play in a number of attacking roles, which includes making him a valuable option for Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool must preserve the quality of their team ahead of another challenging season, and seemed eager to keep their key players.
The Liverpool captain added: “You always get better when you add in quality. Let’s see what happens over the next few days, and if it doesn’t turn out to be the right thing to do, then don’t give a crap.
Gakpo arrived at Liverpool via PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has since been a mainstay up front. City are also keen on Barcola and the club has also been reported to be looking for more attacking reinforcements in the final days of the window, meaning that Gakpo’s fate may now be in Liverpool’s hands.
