Gakpo told to 'follow his heart' amid Man Utd and Liverpool transfer interest

Cameron Smith

• 29 Nov 2022 13:46 GMT
• 4 min read

PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands star Cody Gakpo has been warned to choose his next club wisely and "follow his heart" by former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel.

Gakpo, 23, has been a revelation this season and his early season form has seen him become a mainstay in the Dutch national team starting XI, netting twice in his country's opening two games at the 2022 World Cup.

His performances for PSV over the past 12 months have led to interest from across Europe, but notably from the Premier League. Manchester United appear the side most heavily linked with a move for Gakpo, while Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are also in the race to sign the talented youngster.

READ: PSV want to sell Man Utd transfer target Gakpo to Liverpool

Following Cristiano Ronaldo's contract termination at Man Utd, the Old Trafford side are in need of additional attacker, especially considering the injury problems that have troubled Anthony Martial this season and in seasons prior.

Gakpo is therefore seen as a high-profile target by the Red Devils, who currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League standings.

Arsenal are another club who are interested in signing Gakpo, with Leeds United and Southampton, who were both close to agreeing a deal in the summer, unlikely to be able to sign him now.

READ: Dutch legend admits 'love' for Man Utd target Gakpo

Despite PSV being well and truly in the hunt for the 2022/23 Eredivisie title, it's reported that Gakpo could leave during the January transfer window, and his form in Qatar has boosted the odds of that happening.

Gakpo has scored 13 goals and assisted a further 17 in just 24 appearances in all competitions for PSV this term, and those numbers have enticed the biggest clubs in the Premier League into pursuing a move.

What has Gakpo been warned about?

With an exit from PSV looking increasingly likely, Gakpo has been told to "follow his heart" by Ryan Babel.

Babel, who is currently playing for Turkish club Eyupspor, spoke to The Athletic about his countryman and said: "You see him linked to clubs in England, such as Manchester United. Everyone has the right place so let's see how he develops in the tournament.

"He has shown enough quality that he is ready for the next step, whether it's in January or next summer," Babel added.

"As a Liverpool fan, I would tell him to go to Liverpool if they make an approach! Arsenal would also be an incredible team for him, with the current manager and the project that they're building. He has to follow his heart.

"When you are a young Dutch player, it is flattering to be linked to big clubs in England but going from the Dutch league to the Premier League is a big step. Not every player is able to adapt and able to survive in the Premier League. There are a lot of players who are written as the next star, then they go to the Premier League, and they can’t cope.

"Dutch mentality is different to English mentality, and you have to learn a new set of rules. In terms of pace, physicality, and the different game styles both you and the opponent will play week-to-week. Also, the travelling, the preparation, it’s a lot to deal with.

"When I went to Liverpool in my twenties it was like a whole new world opened. In Holland, when I was at Ajax I still lived at home with my parents and then not only was I living abroad but living by myself too. It was hard not to lag behind, learning the rules of Liverpool and the English culture and the Premier League as a whole.

"If I was to advise Gakpo, I would say: 'Choose your next club based on their style of playing.' If a club like Manchester United comes calling, you first have to picture yourself playing well with that setup, rather than just seeing the name. You have to look at the style of playing and the demands of the coach and ask yourself if can execute to a high level."