Transfer News: Leeds United join Liverpool in Cody Gakpo race

Liverpool joined by Leeds United in Cody Gakpo transfer race

According to Marco Timmer of Voetbal International on Twitter (h/t Liverpool Echo), Leeds United are in the race to sign Liverpool target and PSV Eindhoven star, Cody Gakpo.

The 23-year-old winger has also been on the radars of Arsenal and Manchester City. It is claimed that the player’s representatives have held talks with the quartet of clubs over a potential move.

Gakpo is an electric forward plying his trade at PSV Eindhoven. His efforts this season couldn’t see his team land the Eredivisie title, and that may be what he would have to settle for if he remains in the Netherlands.

Ajax continue to be the dominant force in Holland and PSV are not really fierce competitors in the UEFA Champions League for the ultimate crown. Neither are Leeds United. Liverpool are.

But a move to Elland Road could make sense for him given he can play there regularly down the middle or the flanks. Raphinha’s future is up in the air and if he leaves, Gakpo would surely be a like-for-like replacement for him.

Even if the Brazilian stays, a player of Gakpo’s quality will not be put on the bench by Jesse Marsch. He is too good for Leeds, in all honesty, but as Raphinha has potentially done, Gakpo could also use them as a stepping stone for a future move.

That is because he will surely struggle to be a regular at Liverpool or Man City. Now that Arsenal have Gabriel Jesus, that is one position closed for Gakpo in the Gunners’ starting XI as well.

The Reds have tied Mohamed Salah to a new contract. Luis Diaz won’t be benched given his impact down the left flank and Darwin Nunez will lead our line in the near future.

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There is no urgent need for Gakpo. The Reds, the player, and his representatives would know that as well. With a FIFA World Cup coming this year, the versatile forward would also want regular playing time and that effectively rules us out as a serious competitor for him.