Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool in January 2023 for £35 million, but the Dutch forward has admitted he initially feared the move might not happen as he had moments of doubt before setting foot on Merseyside.
The former PSV Eindhoven star had enjoyed a standout spell in the Eredivisie, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United. Liverpool ultimately won the race for his signature, but Gakpo was mindful of previous setbacks.
During Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, Gakpo was rotated alongside Luis Diaz and occasionally played in a more central position before establishing himself as Liverpool’s primary option on the left following Diaz’s departure.
Under head coach Arne Slot, Gakpo has remained a key figure. Despite some inconsistent team performances this season, he has already made four goal contributions, demonstrating the consistency that has made him one of Liverpool’s most reliable attacking players.
Even though he has now been at the club for over two years, Gakpo revealed that he was nervous the move would fall through. In 2022, Manchester United had expressed interest, but PSV felt the offer did not match Gakpo’s valuation, causing the deal to collapse.
Speaking to Discovery Plus about Liverpool’s interest, Gakpo said:
“I was in Dubai and my brother and my agent called me. They said there was serious interest from Liverpool, and I was like, ‘Oh yeah, amazing, that’s good’. But I didn’t want to jump through the roof because the last time a club came, it collapsed. So I stayed one more day in Dubai and had to come home for Christmas.
Since joining Liverpool, Gakpo has made 138 appearances, scoring 43 goals and registering seven assists. In the 2022/23 season alone, he contributed 18 goals and seven assists, helping Arne Slot’s side secure the Premier League title. His influence extends beyond goals he constantly positions himself to draw defenders, create opportunities for teammates, and maintain Liverpool’s high-intensity style of play.
In August 2025, the winger signed a new contract, extending his stay at Liverpool beyond the summer of 2028. Initially, he had joined on a five-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023, but the extension reflects both his importance to the squad and the club’s long-term vision.
The new deal came after extensive negotiations, highlighting the Reds commitment to securing a player they see as central to their ambitions.
Reflecting further on his adaptation to English football, Gakpo reiterated the calm mindset that guided him through the transfer:
“It went pretty fast, but I knew it was the right move because I was calm on the inside, that was a sign from God that it was the right move.”
The winger journey illustrates the highs and lows of professional football transfers. From the disappointment of a collapsed move to thriving in one of the world’s toughest leagues, his story underscores the value of patience
Now firmly established as a key figure at Liverpool, and with his future secured at Anfield, Gakpo continues to impress and influence in big matches. His evolution in the Premier League is ongoing, and early signs suggest that the best at Liverpool is yet to come.
