Van Dijk wants Cody Gakpo to stay at Liverpool despite Man City interest

What the report says

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he wants Cody Gakpo to remain at Anfield even as Manchester City are reported to be pursuing the Dutch forward before the Premier League transfer deadline on Tuesday. Al Jazeera, citing AFP, reported that Liverpool may be open to a sale, with City potentially willing to pay about £75 million ($101.6 million).

The report says Gakpo has made a strong start to the season, contributing a goal and an assist in Liverpool’s opening two league matches, both 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. It also notes that the 27-year-old has scored 51 goals in three-and-a-half years at Liverpool and played an important role in the club’s 2024-25 Premier League title win.

Van Dijk described Gakpo as a quality player and said he hoped Liverpool would keep him, both for football reasons and because of their friendship. He also said Liverpool remain one of the biggest clubs in the world, even as the team goes through a period of transition. The comments come amid broader scrutiny of Liverpool’s early-season form and defensive problems, after the team has twice had to come from behind to earn a point under manager Andoni Iraola, according to the report.

If completed, a move for Gakpo would add to a significant reshaping of Liverpool’s attack following the reported arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.