Virgil van Dijk has expressed hope that Liverpool will keep Cody Gakpo, as Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a move for the Dutch forward before next Tuesday's Premier League transfer deadline.
Gakpo faces the prospect of a diminished role at Anfield after Liverpool signed Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee that could reach $166 million, making the Frenchman the second most expensive signing in Premier League history.
In three and a half years at Liverpool, Gakpo has scored 51 goals and played a key role in the club's 20th English top-flight title in the 2024–25 season.
The 27-year-old has started this season brightly, scoring once and providing an assist as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in their first two matches under Andoni Iraola.
However, Liverpool appear willing to sell Gakpo, with Man City reportedly set to pay £75 million ($101.6 million).
“He is a quality player, and I think we should keep quality players, but let's see what the next three days bring,” Van Dijk said.
“Obviously, I want him to stay, not only because he is a quality player, but also because he is a friend of mine, and I think he will be very important for us.”
Barcola was drawn to England by the European champions, despite the team's difficult spell, having finished fifth in the Premier League last season.
But Van Dijk believes Liverpool will always be an attractive destination for the world's top players.
“I think Liverpool is still one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know we are going through a transition period, and you can either want to be part of that or not. I am part of that process,” he added.
“He (Barcola) is a very good player. If he comes, he will be warmly welcomed, but until that happens, there is no reason to talk about it now.”
Iraola has already seen why he was given the chance to replace Arne Slot, as Liverpool's defense was exposed against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
But in both matches, Liverpool came from behind twice to earn a point.
“It takes time, but obviously we all want things to work as well as possible and for the full 90 minutes,” Van Dijk said.
“These are two consecutive games where we had to fight to get back. Clearly, that is a good sign when we fight back, but I think we can do much better than what we have shown.
“We have to score more goals; we have to concede fewer. Nottingham Forest have come here three times in the last three seasons and never lost, and that should not happen.”
