Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo makes bizarre Leeds United transfer admission
Cody Gakpo has shared a bizarre story that reveals how only a VAR-awarded hat-trick goal prevented him from joining Leeds United from PSV in the summer of 2022.
Gakpo’s mooted transfer to Manchester United fell through due to Financial Fair Play rules and the Dutchman’s remaining options involved moving to Southampton, Leeds or remaining in Eindhoven.
The forward shared that he decided to make his choice based on how many goals he scored in the final game of the campaign.
Speaking on his documentary in quotes reported by ESPN (5 June), he said: “You have a difficult decision to make, and then you go to prayer to talk to God and ask for wisdom. I got that.
“People might think I’m strange. I could go to Southampton, Leeds came into the race and PSV wanted me to stay. I presented the three options I had to God. If I scored once, I would go to Southampton. If I scored twice I would go to Leeds and if I scored three I would stay at PSV.”
Gakpo scored a hat-trick, but his final goal was deflected in and was only awarded to him via a VAR decision, which led to him staying at PSV instead of joining Leeds.
Would Leeds United have stayed up with Cody Gakpo in the 2022-23 season?
Leeds could certainly have done with the additional quality and firepower signing Gakpo would have brought from the start of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Whites were ultimately relegated, finishing the season in 19th with 31 points – five points adrift of Everton in 17th.
Gakpo did arrive in England later that term in the winter window, joining Liverpool.
In 50 appearances across all competitions for PSV and the Reds that season, the Dutchman racked up 20 goals and 20 assists – scoring seven times and adding three assists in the Premier League.
Leeds fans will be left to rue the decision of VAR to award Gakpo his hat-trick and will wonder what could have been had they captured the forward instead.
The effects of their relegation are still being felt following Daniel Farke’s side’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the Championship playoff final, extending their stay in the second tier by at least another season.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could lose Junior Firpo and another player for the start of the new season.
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