Virgil van Dijk Sends Clear Cody Gakpo Message After Failed Manchester City Move

Cody Gakpo looked destined to leave Liverpool in the final days of the transfer window, with Manchester City emerging as his surprise destination. But after the move collapsed, Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that the Dutch forward remains a hugely important part of Liverpool’s plans.

Gakpo had attracted interest from Tottenham before Manchester City moved ahead in the race. The forward was reportedly prepared to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium, but the transfer ultimately failed to materialise for several reasons, including Liverpool’s inability to secure a replacement.

Liverpool may now be counting their luck.

Rather than allowing the uncertainty to derail him, Gakpo has made an immediate impact for Andoni Iraola’s side. He scored on the opening day of the season, registered an assist against Nottingham Forest and then produced two assists for Alexander Isak during Friday’s victory over Ipswich.

Van Dijk: Gakpo Is Still Crucial

Speaking after the Ipswich game, Van Dijk was unequivocal when asked how important Gakpo has been to Liverpool.

“Massively,” the captain said.

Van Dijk had already stressed before the transfer window closed that Gakpo remained important to the team, and his performances since then have only reinforced that belief.

“Obviously I said before the transfer window was closed that he’s important for us and he will be important for us this season as well,” Van Dijk added.

“And he showed it again today. Last week as well with the assists, over the last couple of years as well. So keep going.”

The message from Liverpool’s captain is clear: whatever happened behind the scenes during the final days of the window, Gakpo’s role at Anfield has not diminished.

Iraola Never Lost Faith In Gakpo

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has also insisted that he was never concerned about Gakpo’s commitment, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The manager revealed that he and the forward maintained an open relationship throughout the transfer saga.

“My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning,” Iraola said.

“He has played very well for us so far. He was always aware of the situation in the market, we were constantly talking, I hope we can keep him at the same level.

“He is in a good place physically and mentally and I’m very happy to pick him.”

Gakpo now appears set to remain with Liverpool until at least January, giving Iraola another major attacking option as the season moves into a demanding period.

Gakpo And Isak Already Showing Signs Of A Partnership

Perhaps the biggest reason Liverpool supporters will be pleased that the transfer fell through is the early understanding developing between Gakpo and Isak.

Gakpo has already played a major role in helping the Swedish striker settle into his Liverpool career, setting him up twice against Ipswich.

Isak was clearly enjoying the relationship when asked about their growing connection.

“We will see. Obviously as attackers, we always train with each other and try and get to know each other even better again,” he said.

“Hopefully we can assist each other many times so he owes me a few assists now.”

That chemistry could become increasingly important for Liverpool as the campaign gathers pace.

A Failed Transfer That Could Benefit Liverpool

What initially looked like a potential headache for Liverpool has quickly taken a different turn.

Gakpo was close enough to a move to Manchester City that his departure appeared a genuine possibility, but Liverpool’s failure to find a replacement ultimately helped prevent the deal from being completed.

Now, with the Dutchman contributing goals and assists and beginning to build an understanding with Isak, Liverpool have a player who is already proving difficult to replace.

The timing could hardly be more significant.

Liverpool return to action on Wednesday when they begin their Champions League campaign against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, before hosting Fulham.

And with Gakpo still at Anfield, Iraola has one more attacking weapon to call upon — while Van Dijk’s message suggests Liverpool have no intention of letting the failed Manchester City move overshadow just how valuable the forward remains.