Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made his feelings clear on a potential transfer exit for Cody Gakpo, who has interest from Man City and Tottenham before the deadline
Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk and Alexander Isak during Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool.
Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk and Alexander Isak during Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool.(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside via Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he wants Cody Gakpo to stay amid transfer interest from Manchester City, with the 27-year-old forward potentially set for an exit.
This summer, Tottenham has also been keen on Gakpo, who has already scored and assisted for Liverpool in its opening two Premier League fixtures. But Manchester City appears to be the likeliest option for the ex-PSV ace at this stage if he does depart, with Gakpo said to be open to moving to the Etihad Stadium to play for Enzo Maresca.
Nonetheless, Van Dijk wants Gakpo to remain at Liverpool, where the pair have a strong relationship.
"What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players," Van Dijk told reporters at Anfield when asked about the situation.
"Let's see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine. He's very important for us."
Regardless of what happens with Gakpo, Liverpool needs more quality in attack before the transfer deadline. Bradley Barcola looks set to arrive, but Andoni Iraola has spoken openly about wanting more than one signing.
Cody Gakpo in action for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest.
Cody Gakpo in action for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest.(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
"Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference," Van Dijk said. "Let's see what the next few days brings. After Tuesday we have to fight for everything with no regrets.
"We have to score more, concede less, dominate more with and without the ball. Nottingham Forest have come here the last three seasons and remained unbeaten. That shouldn't happen.
"In all the years I've been at the club it hadn't happened. It's down to us to make sure we are a unit — every member of the squad together with our fans."
Liverpool is yet to win under Iraola, but the Spaniard has avoided defeat in his first two competitive matches at the helm.
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Summer arrival Victor Munoz was the saviour on Saturday, netting an equalizer late on.
Van Dijk is hopeful that Liverpool can turn those draws into wins quickly, with trips to Ipswich and Bournemouth sandwiching a home game with Fulham before the September international break.
"It takes some time," the Dutchman added. "We all want it to work as soon as possible for 90 minutes.
"Two games in a row we had to fight back. It's a good sign we fought back but we can still do much better. It's a process and we're working on it."