Gakpo makes "difficult" Man Utd transfer admission after joining Liverpool instead

Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo admits he thought he was joining Manchester United before his move to Anfield.

Gakpo, 23, was strongly linked with United in the summer transfer window and held talks with Erik ten Hag over a potential move to Old Trafford.

However, the Netherlands would remain with PSV Eindhoven after United opted to sign another winger, Antony, from Ajax instead.

After continuing to impress for PSV this season, Gakpo played a major role for the Netherlands at the World Cup – scoring three times to help his side reach the quarter-finals, where they were beaten on penalties by eventual winners Argentina.

Those impressive performances in Qatar seemingly convinced United to renew their interest in Gakpo ahead of the January window.

But he instead moved to Liverpool on January 1 after the Merseyside club agreed a deal with PSV that will see them pay an initial £37m fee for the winger.

Gakpo opens up on failed Man Utd move

The versatile attacker has now admitted that he thought he was joining United in the summer transfer window, such was the interest in him from Ten Hag – with whom he shares an agent.

"It was difficult this summer," said Gakpo.

"It was a very intense period. I tried to find my peace, but it was difficult. I thought I was going to Manchester United, but in the end it didn't work out."

Leeds United also made an approach for Gakpo in the summer but the Dutch forward admits he was never fully convinced about moving to Elland Road.

"Leeds United came in. They are a good club, but I asked myself if I should really go there and when you have a lot of doubts, it is not good," he added.

When could Gakpo make his Liverpool debut?

Gakpo has now signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Liverpool and attended his first match at Anfield on Friday as Klopp's side battled to a 2-1 win over Leicester.

It is not yet clear if he will registered in time to feature in Liverpool's next Premier League match against Brentford on Monday night.

If not, he could make his debut on Saturday when Liverpool face Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup.

Topics: Liverpool, Cody Gakpo, Football, Premier League, Manchester United, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan