Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Cody Gakpo last year, but now might be able to thank him.
While the Magpies are breathing a sigh of relief about avoiding a PSR disaster, we are reaching the business end of Euro 2024.
Newcastle United have three representatives in the quarter finals, with England’s Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon set to face Switzerland defender Fabian Schar on Saturday night.
Whoever wins that game could end up playing Netherlands in the semi final, as they are also still in the competition after a win on Tuesday night. They beat Romania 3-0 in Munich, and will now take on Turkey for a place in the final four.
Cody Gakpo shines at Euro 2024
Netherlands produced their best performance of the tournament against Romania, and were inspired by the brilliance of Cody Gakpo.
The Liverpool forward, who was a target for Newcastle last year, was in inspired form, scoring once and getting an assist to help his country advance to the quarter finals. He also had another goal disallowed, as he becomes the joint top scorer at Euro 2024.
It has been a brilliant tournament so far for Gakpo, and his performance on Tuesday may inadvertently end up doing Newcastle United a favour.
How Gakpo’s performance could help Newcastle United
While Newcastle United had no dog in the Netherlands vs Romania match, it was certainly interesting to see Gakpo play so well.
He was deployed on the left of attack, which is where Anthony Gordon traditionally plays. And who have been linked with buying Gordon this summer? Liverpool, the club that also has Cody Gakpo.
The 25-year-old has hardly set the world alight in a red shirt, but looked much more deadly for his country. His ability to come off the flank and influence the game was fantastic to watch, and could perhaps prove to Liverpool that they already have enough options on the left.
With Gakpo and Luis Diaz on the books, Liverpool do not really need Gordon – especially if Gakpo can take his international form to the Premier League.
That should help Newcastle keep the 23-year-old, amid fears that his head has been turned by talk of a move to Liverpool. It is understandable that the Scouser would be keen on a deal, but now the Magpies must do whatever it takes to keep him.
That could include a new contract, with Toon officials eager for Gordon to sign an extension. And it might be a bit easier to convince him to stay if the chance to join Liverpool is no longer an option.
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