The Peacocks came close to signing the Netherlands international last summer.
Louis van Gaal told Cody Gakpo to avoid a move to Leeds United in August, according to Andrea Radrizzani.
Gakpo’s incredible performances for PSV attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs. But Leeds managed to reach an agreement with the Dutchman on the summer transfer window’s deadline day.
The deal collapsed, however, as Gakpo decided to wait until after the World Cup to choose his new club.
“We were so close to sign Cody Gakpo,” Radrizzani told DAZN (via Fabrizio Romano).
“It was done on August Deadline Day, done with PSV too. Then it collapsed because of Van Gaal.
“Van Gaal called Gakpo and told him to wait for because of the World Cup… then he joined Liverpool.”
The forward’s fantastic displays for Netherlands in the World Cup convinced Liverpool to join the transfer race to sign him in the winter.
The Reds managed to complete a £37 million move for Gakpo last month, adding him to their reinforced attacking line. However, the Netherlands international has struggled to find his rhythm at Anfield, scoring only twice for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Gakpo and co will meet Wolves in their next league game before hosting Manchester United in a crucial match on Sunday.
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