Cody Gakpo admitted that he “thought” he would join Manchester United at the start of the season, but the deal “didn’t work out” and also revealed that Leeds United wanted to sign him in the summer.
Instead, the 23-year-old completed a move to Liverpool from PSV worth an initial £37m and signed a long-term contract at Anfield.
The Dutch international has now opened up about the interest shown in him by other Premier League clubs before Jurgen Klopp called.
“It was difficult this summer. It was a very intense period,” the Dutchman told The Mirror.
“I tried to find my peace, but it was difficult. I thought I was going to Manchester United, but in the end it didn’t work out.
“Leeds United came in. It’s a good club, but I wondered if I should really go there and when you have a lot of doubts, it’s not good.
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The Reds’ new number 18 has been in excellent form for both club and country this season, registering 13 goals and 17 assists for PSV in all competitions and also netting three times at the World Cup in Qatar.
Despite already consistently performing well, the versatile striker believes there is still much more to come from him as he begins his Premier League life.
“I think I can still take a lot of steps, I can do better and I can improve as a player,” Gakpo added.
“Even in Qatar, I became a better footballer in record time because I played with the best players from the Netherlands and faced the best footballers from other countries.
“It was hard to define exactly how he was improving while he was there. But once the World Cup was over, I had time to analyze things.
“I used to play on a more individual level and trust my instincts. I would face a lot of players and try to do something special every time I had the ball.
“Now I realize that I have to think more about the team. I have to choose the right moment to dribble and do actions. I’ve taken steps to recognize that.”
Klopp, Pep Lijnders and Co. will certainly help Gakpo fulfill his potential.
Numerous players have come to Merseyside and flourished under the watchful eye and careful guidance of our German tactician and hopefully our new signing will be no different.
His ability to move with pace and power and to hit the ball ferociously with either foot is something that stands out, and it’s clear that his versatility is one of the things that makes him ideal for the Reds.
Often deployed on the left flank, but for the Netherlands he has shown his ability to shine in a more central role.
It will be interesting to see what plan Klopp has for Gakpo and we’re looking forward to seeing him take the field, possibly tomorrow during our clash with Brentford in the capital.
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