Van Dijk's brutal Man Utd insult as he gives Gakpo transfer advice

Robin Bairner

• 5 Dec 2022 13:00 GMT
• 2 min read

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has brutally insulted Manchester United by telling PSV star Cody Gakpo that his next transfer move must be to Real Madrid.

Gakpo has been in electric form this season, smashing his way into the spotlight at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where his three goals have him among the tournament's leading scorers.

He has been linked with a move to Manchester United for months, and though those rumours are stepping up again, with reports that the Red Devils could sign the attacker for €50 million in the January transfer window, they face competition from elsewhere.

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In particular, Real Madrid have taken an interest in the 23-year-old Gakpo, and Van Dijk says that Los Blancos and not United is the natural step for him.

“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level? No disrespect, not at all,” Van Dijk told the media.

“I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell. He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue.”

MORE: Lautaro fails Man Utd audition at World Cup

Gakpo on Man Utd links

Gakpo, meanwhile, is rather more discreet over his plans for the future.

Speaking to the media on Monday, he was asked it he is considering making a move in the January transfer window right now: “After the World Cup. I’m not thinking about that now.

“I’m just really focused on the tournament, trying to keep performing well and helping the team and hopefully when we become world champions then I can think about that.

"I’m just trying to keep focused and the other players don’t really talk about those things which also helps me in this situation.

“We came here with a goal which is to try to become world champion. We believe in that and we’re going to fight and improve every day.

“We’re growing in the tournament, improving every game and this was another step higher.”

Gakpo has 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 matches for PSV this season, plus three goals in four World Cup matches for the Netherlands.