Cody Gakpo was up for transfer from PSV Eindhoven, but Chelsea made a last-ditch effort to sign him but declined to match Liverpool’s bid.
Over the holiday season, Liverpool worked swiftly to complete a deal for the Dutch international, announcing the transfer on Wednesday night subject to a work visa.
The 23-year-old was also a target for Manchester United, and during the summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag spoke with the player about relocating to Old Trafford. However, his team was unable to make a serious bid since the club was now focused on loan players in January after spending more than £200 million in the summer.
According to Eindhovens Dagblad, Stamford Bridge and Chelsea both made offers for Gakpo, and there was more interest from the Premier League.
However, the article claims that the Blues were unwilling to pay PSV’s entire asking price and were only prepared to make an offer of a package worth €40 million (£35.4 million), which was turned down by the Dutch team.
With a contract worth an initial £37 million that may increase to £45 million with add-ons, Liverpool got their man.
Chelsea is anticipated to be among the teams with the busiest January transfer window after this week’s confirmation of a deal to acquire David Datro Fofana from Molde.
According to reports, the team is still looking to add another forward after Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix was made available.
Graham Potter’s team is also eager to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica and is prepared to meet his large £105 million release clause this month.
Although United and Liverpool are also eager to recruit the Argentina international, Roger Schmidt, the manager of Benfica, has hinted that the 21-year-old may want to go to the Premier League over his current club.
According to reports, the team is still looking to add another forward after Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix was made available.
Graham Potter’s team is also eager to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica and is prepared to meet his large £105 million release clause this month.
Although United and Liverpool are also eager to recruit the Argentina international, Roger Schmidt, the manager of Benfica, has hinted that the 21-year-old may want to go to the Premier League over his current club.
These are things I don’t discuss with the players when I speak to them. I’ve already stated all I can to say. Everyone is familiar with how football is.
There are options for these young people, and it’s not just about Enzo. They must make choices if they are given the chance, and I appreciate that.
“I can give them advice, but they can only pursue one job.” I attempt to persuade or influence people if I can, but I respect their judgments anyway.
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