Gakpo Reveals Netherlands Teammate Van Dijk Told Him to Join Liverpool

• Liverpool completed the signing of Dutch winger Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven
• The player impressed as the Netherlands reached the quarter-final of the World Cup
• Gakpo has since revealed the role played by his national teammate Virgil van Dijk

The start of the January transfer window is just three nights away. Clubs have been making moves to secure agreement with their transfer targets early, to get them into the team outright or to outbid other clubs.

The World Cup gave visibility to many players, and speculation has been ongoing over some players who showcased themselves to the world at the Mundial in Qatar.

PSV winger Cody Gakpo impressed in Qatar, though he was already being watched by clubs in England prior. Liverpool officially confirmed Gakpo's signing from PSV Eindhoven, with the news first breaking after their game against Aston Villa.

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The transfer costs between £35m to £44m as reported by BBC Sports. The young Dutchman has now revealed the role played by his national teammate Virgil van Dijk, in making the switch to Anfield.

How VVD convinced Gakpo

Van Dijk, whose transfer was also completed at this time five years ago, as reported by the Guardian, played a part in convincing his compatriot to join the Reds.

Speaking in his first interview via Liverpool's official website, the former PSV man was full of praise for his national team captain:

''Yes, for sure, because he's our captain; he's a great personality, he's a great player."

Gakpo also revealed a private conversation between himself and Van Dijk, who said he would help the newest Liverpool signing settle down in Merseyside.

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''He told me this is the right move for me to make... to develop and to become a better player; that the club is a really big and massive but also like a real family… He said only good things."

Gakpo added he was truly grateful to be part of the Anfield set-up.

No regrets from Ten Hag

Manchester United were also interested in Gakpo and many believed he would join the club, due to Dutch connections with head coach Erik ten Hag.

As earlier reported by Sports Brief, the Red Devils boss refused to be drawn into explaining what transpired during the transfer talks, which saw the 23-year-old join Man United's fiercest rivals.

The former Ajax boss said he is confident with his current group of attackers, as they only need more time playing together to reach greater heights.