Virgil van Dijk urges Liverpool to keep Manchester City target Cody Gakpo

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he wants Cody Gakpo to remain at the club, with Manchester City reportedly pursuing the Netherlands international in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Manchester City are looking to sign the Liverpool winger as they seek to strengthen their wide options before the market closes. However, Van Dijk believes Liverpool should do everything possible to retain a player he considers both important to the team and a close personal friend.

“Gakpo is a player with great quality, and I think we should keep players who have quality,” Van Dijk told The Mirror.

“We will see what the next few days will bring. I want him to stay, not only because he is a player with great quality, but also because he is my friend. He is very important to us.”

Reports from transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano have indicated that negotiations between Manchester City and Liverpool over a potential move for Gakpo have reached an advanced stage.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to sell the player, but only if they can sign a replacement before allowing him to leave.

Manchester City’s interest is understood to be driven by the need to reinforce their options on the wings following the departures of Omar Marmoush and Savinho to Tottenham.

The Premier League club currently have only Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo available as recognised wingers, according to the report.

Gakpo has made 182 appearances for Liverpool since joining the club, scoring 51 goals and providing 24 assists. He has also started the new Premier League campaign by featuring in Liverpool’s opening two matches, scoring once and setting up another goal.

Liverpool began their league season with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. They then recorded the same scoreline against Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the second round of fixtures.

Arne Slot’s side are preparing to face Ipswich Town in their third league match on Friday, with Gakpo’s future still the subject of speculation as the transfer deadline approaches.

Van Dijk’s comments underline Liverpool’s desire to keep the Dutch forward, who has become an important part of the squad since his arrival. But with Manchester City pushing to complete a deal and negotiations reportedly progressing, the final days of the transfer window could determine whether Gakpo remains at Anfield or moves to one of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals.