ESP: Real Betis-Real Madrid. La Liga EA Sports, date 26 Antony Dos Santos of Real Betis and Luka Modric of Real Madrid during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Real Madrid played at Benito Villamarin Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Sevilla, Spain. kpng Copyright: xAntonioxPozox/xPRESSINPHOTOx AP_250302_BET_RMA_474
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo nearly joined Manchester United in 2023.
The former PSV star spent 16 years with the Eredivisie side as he played his way up the ranks. Gakpo played for the academy, youth sides and Jong PSV before making his first team debut in 2018. The forward went on to make over a 100 appearances on the Dutch side, and was named captain before he joined Liverpool in 2023.
Gakpo mentioned that he almost joined bitter rivals Manchester United, but the Manchester club opted to sign Antony from Ajax for a fee around £80million.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
[freshpress-quiz id=”22938″]
Manchester United flop narrates failed Liverpool move
Antony failed to hit the heights at Old Trafford, and after two and a half seasons has been loaned out to Real Betis. Over the past week, the Brazilian narrated how he almost joined Liverpool in 2022. The 25-year old was speaking to Arabic outlet Kooora:
“I was very close to signing for Liverpool, but you never know what would have happened. In the end, I went to Manchester and had great moments there, and that was a good choice as well.”
“Salah is an incredible player and he has been doing extraordinary things for a long time. He is an exceptional footballer. I don’t know if he is the best in the world at the moment, but he is certainly among the best and is seriously competing for the Ballon d’Or.”
Antony has three goals and two assists in seven games for the La Liga side so far this season.
Recently, it was revealed that in 2022, Liverpool nearly did not offer a contract extension. The club then changed their mind and gave him a new deal. The story was narrated by former reds Director of Research Ian Graham.
What if Antony joined the reds?
Based on his short stint in England, Liverpool fans will be glad that he never signed for them. The Brazilian is arguably one of the most expensive flops in Premier League history. On the flip side, extending Mohamed Salah’s contract could have been the best thing that has happened to the club.
Salah has continued to prove he is one of the league’s best ever players. His performances this season should be enough to force the club to give him another contract just like they did three years ago. Liverpool must make sure their best player does not leave on a free transfer this summer.
About the Author
