Liverpool’s January addition Cody Gakpo has revealed that he turned down Chelsea interest in order to sign for Liverpool, claiming that ‘I did not think about anything else’.
The Dutchman, who enjoyed a stellar start to the season in the Eredivisie and scored in all three of the Netherlands’ group stage games at the World Cup, joined Jurgen Klopp’s side in a deal worth up to £45m (including add ons) at the beginning of the January transfer window.
It proved a shock, with Manchester United having been reported as the favourites for his signature, only for their Merseyside rivals to seemingly swoop in and steal the deal from the Red Devils.
However, Gakpo, who is yet to register a goal for his new club, revealed that United were not truly keen on his signature in January.
“I spoke to [Ruud] van Nistelrooy a lot about Manchester United in the summer when the transfer looked like it may be coming. But in the winter, not really”, he explained.
“It was Ruud’s wish that I went to a big club – and I think I have achieved that with Liverpool”
The Blues spearheaded the world’s January spending, with seven new signings arriving including Enzo Fernandez, whose move broke the previous British transfer record held by Jack Grealish.
“When I heard about interest from Liverpool in December, I did not think about anything else”, Gakpo revealed.
“There was also Chelsea interest maybe but I already had my mind made up”
Chelsea instead opted to sign Joao Felix on loan, who scored in their 1-1 draw with West Ham, before adding wingers Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke to their ranks later in the transfer window.
