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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has urged the club to keep Cody Gakpo as Manchester City reportedly prepare a £75 million move for the Dutch forward before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Gakpo’s future has come under fresh scrutiny following Liverpool’s move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, whose transfer could rise to £123 million, potentially pushing the 27-year-old further down the pecking order at Anfield.
Despite the uncertainty, Gakpo has made a strong start to the new campaign, scoring once and providing an assist as Liverpool drew their opening two Premier League matches 2-2 against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
The Netherlands international has also been an important player for Liverpool since joining the club three and a half years ago, scoring 51 goals and contributing to their 20th English top-flight title in the 2024/25 season.
Van Dijk made his preference clear when asked about Gakpo’s future as City’s interest intensified.
“He’s a quality player and I think we should keep quality players, but let’s see what the next three days bring,” Van Dijk said.
“Obviously it’s pretty clear that I want him to stay, not only because he is the quality player that he is, but also he’s a friend of mine and I think he will be very important for us.”
Liverpool are reportedly open to selling Gakpo, with City said to be willing to pay £75 million for the forward.
Van Dijk also welcomed the potential arrival of Barcola, but insisted there was little point discussing the transfer until it is completed.
“He’s (Barcola) a very good player. If he comes he’ll be welcomed with open arms but until it’s there, there’s no point speaking about it now.”
The Liverpool captain said the club remained an attractive destination for elite players despite the transition under new manager Andoni Iraola.
“I think Liverpool are still one of the biggest clubs in the world. Obviously we all know that we’re going through a transition and you either want to be part of it or you don’t. I’m part of it now,” he added.
Liverpool have endured a difficult defensive start under Iraola, conceding twice in each of their opening two league matches, although they fought back to earn draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Van Dijk admitted there was significant room for improvement as Liverpool seek to build momentum under their new manager.
“It takes some time but obviously we all want it to work as soon as possible and for 90 minutes,” said Van Dijk.
“That’s now two games in a row we’ve had to fight back. Obviously it’s a good sign that we fight back but I think we can still do much better than what we have been showing.
“We have to score more, we have to concede less. Nottingham Forest came here three times in the last three seasons and came away unbeaten, and that shouldn’t happen.”
