Cody Gakpo, the Dutch striker who recently joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in a £37 million deal, had an interesting way of deciding which club to join. Before the transfer deadline in 2022, Gakpo had offers from Southampton and Leeds, both worth around £25 million. However, instead of relying on traditional methods to make his decision, Gakpo turned to a higher power.
In a conversation with ESPN journalist Tom Hamilton, Gakpo revealed that before the deadline, he asked for a sign from God to guide him. He set specific criteria: if he scored once in his next match, he would go to Southampton; if he scored twice, he would join Leeds; and if he scored three times, he would stay at PSV.
During the match against FC Volendam in the Eredivisie, Gakpo scored twice, leaving the decision of his third goal up in the air. It was deflected in via Volendam captain Damon Mirani, and the officials had to determine who should be awarded the goal. Ultimately, it was decided that the goal belonged to Gakpo. This clear sign from God solidified his decision to stay at PSV instead of moving to the Premier League.
Gakpo had already experienced a failed move to Manchester United due to Financial Fair Play regulations. Now, with offers from Southampton and Leeds on the table, he chose to remain in Eindhoven. However, fate had a different plan for him, as Liverpool eventually secured his transfer at the end of 2022.
This story highlights the importance of faith and intuition in decision-making. Gakpo’s reliance on a divine sign showcases his belief in a higher power guiding his path. It also demonstrates the unpredictable nature of the football world, where a deflected goal can have significant consequences for a player’s career trajectory.
Gakpo’s journey to Liverpool was not straightforward, with obstacles and setbacks along the way. However, his unwavering faith and determination ultimately led him to his desired destination. This narrative serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected and unconventional methods can lead to the best outcomes.