PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed Cody Gakpo ignored his transfer advice on Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Dutch international made a surprise move to Anfield in the January transfer window after Jurgen Klopp beat United to his signature.
Ruud van Nistelrooy wanted Cody Gakpo to join United, not Liverpool
Erik ten Hag was desperate for the striker to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
And Gakpo boss at PSV Eindhoven, Van Nistelrooy, an Old Trafford legend who made 219 appearances for the club and scored 150 times, has urged the 23-year-old to move to United.
The Red Devils icon even insisted that Liverpool were “10 times smaller” than his former club, saying: “Gakpo’s dream move was Manchester United, he had been in contact with Ten Hag since last August.
“I also wanted him to join United – not just because it’s my club and I like them.
“But also because they are better than Liverpool and offer a lot more potential to their players.
“But United didn’t make an offer in January, so I advised him to wait until the summer.
AFP
Gakpo has struggled since joining Liverpool
“Something happened and he refused my advice and listened to Virgil [Van Dijk] who tempted him to join his team.
“He told me he wanted to go abroad in January.
“The fact is, Liverpool are 10 times smaller than Manchester United, in every department.
“I feel lucky to have played for the two biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
“Gakpo would have scored goals for United already, they have great midfielders who create many chances like Fernandes, Casemiro and even Eriksen.”
Since giving up the idea of joining United and moving to Liverpool, Gakpo hasn’t had the best of times.
Getty
Liverpool are in bad shape
The Dutchman has featured six times for the Reds but is yet to register a goal or an assist, although it has coincided with a serious drop in form for Klopp’s men.
Liverpool have won only once this calendar year, an FA Cup replay against Wolves, failing to taste victory in the Premier League with heavy losses to Wolves, Brighton and Brentford.
It has seen Klopp come under major pressure as Gakpo isn’t the only new signing to struggle with Darwin Nunez who has also failed to live up to expectations after scoring just five Premier League goals.
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