'God told him' - Gakpo explains how he escaped Man Utd to join title-favourites Liverpool

'God told him' - Gakpo explains how he escaped Man Utd to join title-favourites Liverpool

Ayoola Kelechi 19:20 - 27.01.2025

God indeed works in mysterious ways; just ask Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo has opened up about his remarkable journey to Liverpool, revealing how a divine message guided his decision amid interest from Manchester United.

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The Dutch forward’s move to Anfield in January 2023 proved pivotal for both his career and Liverpool's resurgence.

Gakpo’s dilemma after Manchester United decision

Speaking to The Players' Tribune, Gakpo shared the role faith played in his move to Liverpool after being on the radar of Manchester United.

Gakpo scores for Liverpool || Imago

According to the Liverpool star, before any major offers arrived, a pastor had told him that God revealed he would join the Reds.

At the time, Gakpo laughed off the prediction, especially with Manchester United expressing early interest in the Dutch star.

Gakpo scores for Liverpool || Imago

The story took an intriguing twist in the summer of 2022 when United opted to sign Antony from Ajax for £85 million instead of Gakpo and faced with offers from Leeds, Southampton, or the option to remain at PSV Eindhoven, sought divine guidance.

Gakpo let’s faith decide fate

Speaking about how he eventually made his decision, Gakpo said, “I prayed and asked God for clarity. If I score one goal, I’ll go to Southampton. Two goals, I’ll go to Leeds. Three goals, I’ll stay at PSV.”

Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar

In a match the next day, Gakpo scored twice and was involved in a third, initially credited as an own goal. His teammate at the time, Jordan Teze, then confirmed his belief, saying, "If God wants you to stay, that own goal will be awarded to you." After the game, the third goal was officially credited to Gakpo, sealing his decision to stay at PSV.

The choice to remain in the Netherlands bore fruit, as it allowed him to shine at the 2022 World Cup, ultimately catching Liverpool's attention.

Liverpool s Cody Gakpo (right) celebrates scoring their side s first goal of the game with team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold during the Premier League match at Anfield,

With the Reds now looking likely to win the Premier League this season, Gakpo will be happy that he chose to stick by his faith rather than make a hasty move to a lower profile side like Leeds or Manchester United.