Cody Gakpo reveals Van Dijk influence in his move to Liverpool
Cody Gakpo has acknowledged Virgil van Dijk’s influence on his decision to join Liverpool.
The reds confirmed the arrival of Netherland star on Wednesdays after reaching an agreement with him in a deal worth between£35m and £45m from PSV.
The 23-year-old attacker shone brightly for the Dutch during their World cup campaign and he is now set for a new life at Anfield.
Speaking to Liverpool’s website after sealing his transfer, Gakpo said it was his country mate who helped convince him to join the Merseyside.
“At the moment I was calling [in] with the coach, he came into the office and saw me,” Gakpo said of Van Dijk. “We chatted a little bit. We spoke a lot over the phone [in] the last days.
“What he told me was that this is the right move for me to make and for me to develop and to become a better player, that the club is massive, but also like a real family.
“I think that’s also very important for me because I’m a family guy. He said only good things. I’m happy that he’s here, so he can help me with some stuff. I’m really grateful to be here” he said
Gakpo’s arrival is a major boost for Klopp’s men and a blow to rivals Manchester United, where the forward had been heavily tipped to join his countryman Erik ten Hag
