In the ever-unpredictable world of football transfers, some near-misses linger in the memory, none more so for Leeds United fans than the pursuit of Cody Gakpo.
Leeds’ interest was understandable, Gakpo was compared to Thierry Henry at the time, and they had recently sold key players like Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, creating a need for reinforcements.
For current manager Daniel Farke, having such a versatile and prolific attacker in his ranks for the upcoming Premier League season would be a dream scenario, a luxury the Whites were agonisingly close to realising.
What unfolded next, however, was a captivating tale of divine intervention and dramatic last-minute changes of heart, prompting the lasting “what if” – where would Gakpo be playing now if it had all played out in Leeds’ favour?
Cody Gakpo’s Leeds fate was decided by his goals
Cody Gakpo was a target for the Peacocks in the transfer window of summer 2022, Leeds United held talks with Cody Gakpo’s team and former director of football, Victor Orta, took a flight to Eindhoven to hold direct talks with Gakpo.
Leeds had a deal in place with PSV Eindhoven and Orta was expected to return to England with Gakpo, however: he declined the move.
Gakpo since revealed it was down to what he believed was a message from God. He told The Players’ Tribune: “I prayed, and I asked God for guidance. But you see, I had to make sure I got his message. So I said, ‘If I score only one time, I’ll go to Southampton…. If I score two times, I’ll go to Leeds…. If I score three times, I’ll stay’.
“The next day we played, and I scored twice. I was also involved in a third goal – and at first, it was called as an own goal. Then I was subbed out. So, two goals, right? I thought, ‘Ah, OK, it’s Leeds then’. I was at peace with my decision.
“As I was sitting on the bench, I told my friend, Jordan Teze, who now plays for Monaco, the whole story. He was like, “If God wants you to stay, that own goal will be awarded to you.” It was like a coin toss, waiting to see what they decided. It could have gone either way! But after the game, they gave me the goal. I scored three, so my fate changed. I stayed at PSV.”
The Dutch forward joined Liverpool just a few months later in the January transfer window of 2023.
Where Cody Gakpo would fit into Leeds United’s current squad
As Daniel Farke takes Marcelo Bielsa inspiration ahead of 2025/26 Premier League campaign, imagine if Farke had Gakpo at his disposal.
Primarily, Gakpo would compete for, and likely solidify, the left wing position—a role in which he excels at cutting inside and sending powerful shots.
This would directly challenge Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James, offering a significant upgrade in consistent goal threat and composure in critical moments. Furthermore, Gakpo’s versatility allows him to seamlessly transition into a central striker or false nine role.
Here, he would provide a different dynamic to Joel Piroe, offering link-up play and runs that would stretch Premier League defences.
His proven quality, goalscoring prowess, and tactical flexibility would not only elevate the overall attacking output of the team but also provide Daniel Farke with invaluable options, making him a crucial asset for establishing Leeds in the top flight.
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