Cody Gakpo: Liverpool move after failed Man Utd transfer was 'best decision for me'

Cody Gakpo has revealed he held talks with Manchester United over a transfer in the summer of 2022, but his move to Liverpool that winter was the 'best decision' for him.

The versatile forward enjoyed five years in the first team at PSV Eindhoven before signing for the Reds in January 2023, but he could have wound up at their rivals instead.

During Erik ten Hag's first summer in charge of United, Gakpo held talks with him regarding a switch to Old Trafford, but ultimately a deal could not be finalised. Gakpo remained at PSV until the winter transfer window and then joined Liverpool for an initial £35.4m.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Gakpo opened up on the extent of these transfer talks with United and how it was better for him to stay and wait for Liverpool's advances.

"It was the summer before [joining Liverpool]. I was in contact with the club [United] and the manager - he's Dutch so I spoke to him as well," Gakpo said.

"At the end of the day it fell through, that's it, and in the winter Liverpool came. It was the best decision for me."

Gakpo has been in and out of a Liverpool team that has had to battle various injuries this season, though he was a starter for last week's Carabao Cup final win against Chelsea.

The Dutchman praised Jurgen Klopp for his role in helping the Reds navigate this crisis and ensuring they are still competing on all fronts at this stage of the campaign.

"One of Klopp's specialities is giving us that belief we can do it, even though we're having a tough time with injuries, without us having some really good players that are really important for the team," Gakpo added.

"We have managed through the situation, that's because of the young players who have come in, the manager, his staff and the fans - the togetherness, this total picture, it gets us through."

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