Virgil Van Dijk’s influence on Cody Gakpo’s move to Liverpool

DBasia.news – Cody Gakpo tells his story after securing his move to Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window opening. The Dutch player admitted that yesterday was a busy time, before revealing how he regularly communicated with Virgil van Dijk until he decided to join Jurgen Klopp’s team.

“Yesterday was hectic because [the transfer] went fast and it was also Christmas. So I had to be with my family and also close the deal, I had to fly and everything. But I was happy to have a good family around me so I could stay calm. It was great,” he told the club’s official website.

Gakpo did not forget to talk about the influence of his captain and compatriot from Netherlands Van Dijk in his decision to move to Anfield.

“We regularly spoke by phone [in] the last days,” he added. “What he said to me is that this is the right step for me to take and for me to develop and become a better player, that this club is massive but also like a family, I think that its also important for me because I’m a family man. He only says good things.”

Gakpo was linked with a move to Manchester United, but the Reds managed to beat the rival to his signature.

Van Dijk appears to have played a part in the decision-making for Gakpo and helped convince the forward that Anfield is the best place for him to continue. The defender even warned Gakpo not to move to Old Trafford during the World Cup.

The latest signing is yet to feature in Liverpool’s next game against Leicester City on Saturday (31/12) in the Premier League, but he can hope to make his debut in January.