Expert verdict on Liverpool hijacking Cody Gakpo deal as ‘agreement in principle’ reached
Noel Whelan has claimed Man United have the “upper hand” over Liverpool in the race for red-hot forward Cody Gakpo.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 23-year-old would have more opportunity to shine in the Red Devils’ ranks than he would at Anfield.
Sources told this site on Saturday (26 November) that Man United have reached an “agreement in principle” with PSV Eindhoven sensation Gakpo ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Voetbal International journalist Marco Timmer (25 November), the Netherlands international is open to talks with interested club Liverpool with a potential fee of €50million (£43million) mooted.
Gakpo has notched a combined 30 goals and assists in 24 games for PSV this season and has scored two goals in two games so far in World Cup action.
The forward is under contract at the Eredivisie giants until June 2026.
Whelan suggested Gakpo could be tempted by the superior “infrastructure and training facilities” at Liverpool.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Any big club will always be looking out for players who can enhance that front line, Liverpool are no different.
“Would Ten Hag have the upper hand because of his links to Holland? Probably. He’ll be someone Gakpo would like to play for.
“These are two massive clubs. You’d have to say that Liverpool’s infrastructure and training facilities are probably more tempting.
“But at the same time, we know Man United are trying to do something big.
“I personally think there’ll be more opportunity for him to shine at Man United as they look for longevity in the future.”
In other news, Football Insider reveals major Liverpool takeover update after Mukesh Ambani “approach”.