Liverpool should keep ‘quality player’ Gakpo, says Van Dijk

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to keep hold of “quality player” Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool seem set to sell Gakpo, who joined them in 2023, to Manchester City.

The deal could reportedly end up reaching £85m.

Liverpool are on course to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, but Van Dijk would prefer the Reds to keep hold of Gakpo, too.

“What do you think? He’s a quality player. I think we should keep quality players,” Van Dijk told reporters when asked about Gakpo’s future.

“Let’s see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he’s a quality player, but also because he’s a friend of mine. He’s very important for us.”

Isak nets our first home goal of the season pic.twitter.com/71Loj3yPOI

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2026

Gakpo teed up Alexander Isak’s goal in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Barcola, meanwhile, is poised to join Liverpool for a reported £106m (€124m) fee.

The France international has scored 39 goals and provided 35 assists in 152 appearances for PSG, playing a key role in their back-to-back Champions League triumphs.

“He’s a good player, someone with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea [in the Champions League last season.] If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms,” Van Dijk said of Barcola’s potential arrival.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“We all know that we’re going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don’t.

“Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference. Let’s see what the next few days bring. After [the transfer deadline] we have to fight for everything with no regrets.”

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