Before the World Cup, Cody Gakpo named some of the teams he dreams of joining, with the Dutchman proving to be one of the stars of Qatar 2022.

Gakpo ruled out January transferIs lighting up the World CupDreams of playing for top European clubs

WHAT HAPPENED? The Netherlands international, who has made a hugely impressive start to the World Cup, named Real Madrid, Barcelona, the two Manchester clubs and Liverpool as his dream destinations – missing out Arsenal, who he has been heavily linked with.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking to NOS before the World Cup, Gakpo said, “I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that step. I feel like I was already that way at the start of this season, but after this season I’m even more ready to take that next step.”

Pressed on who he would like to join, the PSV captain added: “Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, ​​Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honour to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team would suit me best.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Gakpo was linked with a move to Manchester United and he was close to joining the Red Devils in the summer, but the Premier League side backed out of the move after they struck a deal for Ajax winger Antony.

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WHAT NEXT FOR GAKPO? Gakpo has already scored two goals at the World Cup and has been one of the top attacking talents on show so far. His Netherlands side will secure their qualification to the knockout stages of the competition, if they can complete the job against Ecuador.