How Cody Gakpo almost joined Leeds before World Cup 2022

Cody Gakpo has excelled under Arne Slot this season at Liverpool, but back in 2022, he almost joined another team. Before Liverpool showed any interest, Manchester United, Southampton and Leeds were all in a race for the Dutchman’s signature. Via The Players’ Tribune, Gakpo revealed what helped him decide on his future amid interest from…

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January 27, 2025

2–3 minutes

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Cody Gakpo has excelled under Arne Slot this season at Liverpool, but back in 2022, he almost joined another team.

Before Liverpool showed any interest, Manchester United, Southampton and Leeds were all in a race for the Dutchman’s signature.

Via The Players’ Tribune, Gakpo revealed what helped him decide on his future amid interest from Premier League clubs.

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Gakpo said: “I started hearing rumors of a move to England. Then in the summer of 2022, United went for Antony. I was like, What should I do? At this point I could go to Leeds, Southampton, or I could stay at PSV.

“I prayed, and I asked God for guidance. But you see, I had to make sure I got his message.

“So I said, If I score only one time, I’ll go to Southampton…. If I score two times, I’ll go to Leeds…. If I score three times, I’ll stay.

“The next day we played, and I scored twice. I was also involved in a third goal — and at first, it was called as an own goal. Then I was subbed out. So, two goals, right? I thought, Ah, OK, it’s Leeds then. I was at peace with my decision.

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“As I was sitting on the bench, I told my friend, Jordan Teze, who now plays for Monaco, the whole story. He was like, “If God wants you to stay, that own goal will be awarded to you.” It was like a coin toss, waiting to see what they decided. It could have gone either way! But after the game, they gave me the goal. I scored three, so my fate changed. I stayed at PSV.”

“Thank God I stayed because that allowed me to play in the World Cup, which led to Liverpool.“

After deciding to stay at PSV, Gakpo scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 24 matches in 2022/23. After the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals, Gakpo joined Liverpool for £35m.

Since joining the Reds, the Dutchman has scored 37 goals in 111 appearances. This season is set to be his best yet in a Liverpool shirt, he is just three goal involvements off last seasons tally, despite playing 21 games fewer.

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Written by Isabelle Newnham