New Delhi, Aug 30 (IANS) Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk wants his club to keep Cody Gakpo amidst the transfer links with Manchester City.
Van Dijk reasoned that Gakpo is not only “a quality player” but also his “friend” as he plays with him in the Netherlands international side too. “What do you think? He’s a quality player. I think we should keep quality players,” Van Dijk said when asked about the forward after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
“Let’s see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he’s a quality player but also because he’s a friend of mine. He’s very important for us,” Van Dijk said.
Liverpool and Manchester City are in talks over the Dutch forward, which might bring his time at Anfield to an end. While Gakpo is likely to be transferred, The Reds have agreed a deal of GBP 123mn for PSG forward Bradley Barcola, who is set to have his medical on Sunday.
Speaking on the French international, Van Dijk said he “will be welcomed with open arms” when he comes to Anfield. “He’s a good player, someone with pace, I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea (in the Champions League last season.) If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms.
Van Dijk also took a swipe at those who doubt the Reds can attract bigwigs to the club. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we’re going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don’t.
“Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference. Let’s see what the next few days bring. After Tuesday, we have to fight for everything with no regrets,” he said.
–IANS
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