Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk played a key role in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo after speaking to him once an official bid was submitted.
PSV announced on Boxing Day that they had reached an agreement with Liverpool for the transfer of Dutch international Gakpo. The deal came a little bit out of the blue shortly after Liverpool’s victory over Aston Villa, but the club decided to act fast after Luis Diaz suffered an injury setback.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed in the tweet below that Liverpool defender Van Dijk spoke to Gakpo once an official bid was submitted, possibly playing a pivotal role in convincing the PSV forward to make the switch to Anfield.
Cody Gakpo will travel to England in order to complete medical tests as new Liverpool player. Contract already agreed and signed. ?? #LFC
Gakpo spoke to Virgil van Dijk when the official bid was submitted – and he's now set to be unveiled as new LFC player. pic.twitter.com/Xs8o0CCU0U
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2022
Gakpo and Van Dijk will have spent plenty of time together during the World Cup with Holland and it’s been clear for some time now that the former is ready for the step up to the Premier League.
His performances in the World Cup will have undoubtedly turned the head of Liverpool, but it’s his output in Holland which is most impressive.
Gakpo has managed 21 goal contributions in just 14 league games so far this season.