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Don't go, Gakpo! Virgil van Dijk urges Liverpool team-mate to stay as Man City step up talks over £85m move
Aug 30 2026 16:50 · By Lewis Steele · 2 Reads
Virgil van Dijk has urged Cody Gakpo to stay at the club as he steps up talks over a move to Manchester City.
The Dutch winger, who has started both of Liverpool’s first Premier League games, is close to switching Merseyside for Manchester with clubs in talks over a deal worth around £85million.
But when asked how he felt about the move, Reds skipper Van Dijk said: ‘What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players.
‘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 to us.’
Liverpool will only sell Gakpo if they have another winger lined up on top of the impending signing of Bradley Barcola for £123m. They have looked at Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace and Yankuba Minteh of Brighton.
Barcola is now in England and will complete a medical at the club ahead of signing a five-year deal.
Virgil van Dijk wants Cody Gakpo to stay as talks continue over a move to Manchester City
On the French winger, Van Dijk said: ‘He's a good player, that's the only thing I can say. 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.
‘He's a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms.’
Van Dijk has been left frustrated by Liverpool’s start to the season and added: ‘Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference. Let's see what the next few days bring. After Tuesday (transfer deadline) we have to fight for everything with no regrets.
‘We have to score more, concede less, dominate more with and without the ball.
‘Nottingham Forest have come here the last three seasons and remained unbeaten. That shouldn't happen. In all the years I've been at the club it hasn't happened. It's down to us to make sure we are a unit - every member of the squad together with our fans.’