Cody Gakpo revealed Chelsea were interested in signing him but insisted he was only interested in joining Liverpool in January.
Liverpool are in a bad run of form in the Premier League as they languish in 10th on the table. Jurgen Klopp wanted to strengthen the squad in January and sprung an early surprise by signing Cody Gakpo, who was favourites to join Manchester United.
Signing a new attacker wasn’t exactly Liverpool’s priority in the market, as the team desperately lacked in midfield. While Klopp ended the month without making any other notable signings, the arrival of Gakpo was considered a coup at the time of the signing.
While reports pointed toward PSV Eindhoven possibly demanding a considerable fee, Liverpool managed to sneak him in for around £35-37 million. Yet, few have criticised the signing, for Gakpo hasn’t delivered on the promise yet.
The prolific Dutch international was in the hot scoring form before he arrived in Merseyside. He hasn’t scored or assisted in six games at Liverpool across all competitions. Even PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy questioned his decision to join the Reds despite his advice to sign for Manchester United.
Cody Gakpo on Liverpool move: "When I heard about interest from Liverpool in December, I did not think about anything else", tell Daily Mail. 🔴🇳🇱 #LFC
"There was also Chelsea interest maybe but I already had my mind made up". pic.twitter.com/ohB1kruJnc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 12, 2023
Now, Gakpo has revealed Chelsea were also interested in signing him in January. Nevertheless, before the Blues arrived, Liverpool had already made their interest known, which Gakpo insisted was enough for him not even to consider the Stamford Bridge side’s proposal. Fabrizio Romano posted those quotes on his Twitter feed.
Gakpo said, “When I heard about the interest from Liverpool in December, I did not think about anything else.”
“There was also Chelsea’s interest, maybe, but I already had my mind made up.”
Chelsea were interested in a host of attacking talents in the January window. They mainly looked at wide options and signed Mykhaylo Mudryk first. Later, they might have enquired about Gakpo, but after watching the Dutchman join Liverpool, they switched their attention towards signing his PSV teammate Noni Madueke.
While Gakpo is yet to open his account for Liverpool, he could have a great chance to do so against Everton on Monday in the Merseyside Derby. Scoring a goal here would earn him the respect and admiration of Liverpool supporters while improving his confidence in the Premier League.
Going by his previous numbers, the Dutchman could come into the fore steadily for Liverpool and shine. There’s plenty to play for this season, with Klopp likely aiming for a European finish. Liverpool also have their crucial Champions League encounter with Real Madrid.
