Few things are more pleasurable than beating an arch-rival, and no more important than the clashes between Liverpool and Manchester United, the two most successful clubs in English soccer history. So when the Reds landed Cody Gakpo their first signing in January, fans were no doubt delighted to get a look at the old foe.
United have been repeatedly linked with a move for the Dutchman since last summer, apparently keeping in regular contact with the player and his representatives, almost certain to make a formal offer once the transfer window opens. But when Liverpool pounced and officially announced their transfer deal with PSV Eindhoven, all the gossip columns and so-called informed journalists got egg on their faces.
Liverpool had beaten Manchester United in the coup, eyeing what to many seemed to be a definitive move to the Old Trafford club, luring the striker into a rethink that would spark his arrival at Anfield. The subsequent banter among fans on social media was a joy to behold, as nervous Red Devils fans sought every excuse they could find, trying to make rhyme and reason for their club’s failure to achieve another main goal. transfer.
However, there were actually many good reasons why United opted out, which also underlined why Gakpo’s decision to join Liverpool was the best option. First and foremost, he was perfectly suited to the current needs of the team, especially since the departure of Sadio Mane last summer, and the former became the perfect replacement for that left-sided attacking role.
Cody Gakpo is a Red ????#UCL pic.twitter.com/TBHAsE8EPh
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 5, 2023
In truth, Manchester United had clearly seriously considered signing Gakpo, particularly last summer when they opted to strengthen the right flank. However, his need to bolster the left gradually faded in importance, largely due to the plethora of options already available. Marcus Rashford is back in top form, Jadon Sancho can play on both sides, while Anthony Martial can also play on the left.
From a purely footballing perspective and aware of the importance it would have, a move to Liverpool was clearly the wisest decision for Gakpo, even if Manchester United ultimately decided to throw their hat in the ring with a firm offer. His attention has now turned to bringing in a genuine number nine, fitting the same type of profile the Reds were looking for when they bought Darwin Nunez, himself previously linked with Old Trafford interests.
But while these are all good reasons that contributed to Liverpool grabbing Gakpo, much to the delight of the fans, they would be positively raving if another blockbuster move is made. Manchester United are certainly in the market for a dynamic and creative world-class midfielder, notable for his frustrating pursuit of Frenkie de Jong in Barcelona last summer. That saga is reportedly continuing, albeit with little sign of any positive movement.
For many pundits, the only ideal alternative for United would be Jude Bellingham, who has also been regularly linked as an Old Trafford interest, although any move to the England star could also lead to frustration. The latest odds would suggest Liverpool are firm favourites, while there are also reports that the Anfield hierarchy are stepping up their plans, eager to have Bellingham come in January, rather than waiting until the summer window.
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So that’s why everyone wants to sign Jude Bellingham. ???? pic.twitter.com/G7vwI3HX3H
— Squawka (@Squawka) January 7, 2023
Transfer market odds vary from bookmaker to bookmaker, which certainly makes comparisons worth getting, along with insights from professional bettors outlining all the available options. This is what SBO aims to provide with unbiased reviews, covering the best UK betting sites and internationally, focusing on the most competitive odds and promotions.
And in terms of competitiveness, while there is certainly no bottomless pit when it comes to transfer funding, Liverpool may already have a clear advantage over United in the hunt for Bellingham. Recently and at the request of coach Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils have decided to introduce a salary cap for players, limit first-team salaries with a new cap maximum of £200,000 per week.
This will clearly benefit Liverpool if both clubs enter a bidding war for Bellingham, although United are also reluctant to spend big in the January window, focusing more on loans and this gives the Reds another major advantage. But before fans get excited about the prospect of the 19-year-old heading to Anfield, the hugely talented midfielder has plenty of other suitors as well.
Real Madrid are also said to be very interested, and that cannot be dismissed lightly if Liverpool want to secure Bellingham’s services, making a deal more urgently needed. As long as the Reds can really get past this, it would certainly upset the Man Utd fans again, given how much they love the midfielder. And another excuse to laugh at them again would be the icing on the cake.
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