Virgil van Dijk has aimed a sly dig at Manchester United amid their links with Cody Gakpo, claiming Real Madrid would be a better destination.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has now aimed a dig at Manchester United saying that Cody Gakpo is likely to prefer a move to Real Madrid if it came to a choice between the Spanish giants and Manchester United.
The Liverpool ace implied that Manchester United, who are confident of snapping up the Dutchman, are not at the same level as Real Madrid and therefore, the player is likely to prefer to join a bigger club.
He said: Van Dijk, “Cody Gakpo to Man Utd or Real Madrid? Are Manchester United and Real Madrid at the same level at this moment? No disrespect, not at all. He’s a great boy. Cody works hard, is very talented and there’s definitely more in him”.
Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga last season, and they are undoubtedly one of the best clubs in the world. On the other hand, Manchester United have not been able to win major trophies since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson nearly a decade ago.
Van Dijk: “Cody Gakpo to Man Utd or Real Madrid? Are Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at this moment? No disrespect, not at all”, tells @TheAthleticFC. 🇳🇱 #transfers
“He’s a great boy. Cody works hard, is very talented and there’s definitely more in him”. pic.twitter.com/I2FEVgDaB5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2022
Gakpo has been linked with Liverpool as well, and it will be interesting to see if his compatriot Virgil van Dijk can convince the player to move to Anfield. Liverpool could definitely use some reinforcements and the 23-year-old Dutchman would be a quality acquisition.
The player has been in spectacular form for PSV this season, scoring 13 goals and picking up 17 assists across all competitions. Furthermore, he has scored three goals at the 2022 World Cup for the Netherlands as well and has helped them reach the quarter-finals of the marquee event.
If he continues to perform at this level for the remainder of the tournament, his price is likely to shoot up and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool can afford him. The 23-year-old can play anywhere across the front three and his versatility will be a bonus for Liverpool.
Gakpo was linked with Leeds United at the start of the season, and he was reportedly close to joining the Whites. A player of his calibre might demand Champions League football next season and it remains to be seen whether the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool can finish in the top four and secure his services.
