Kano Pillars FC have added six new players to their ranks during the mid-season transfer window as they look to shore up the former league champions in the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League. Sai Masu Gida delved into the transfer market to purchase former Lillestrom of Norway midfielder, Charles Ezeh and Alex Jerry who staged a return to the team after his stint in the Maltese Premier League....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
Cody Gakpo has spilled the beans on his failed transfer to Manchester United, revealing that a move to Old Trafford was on the cards before he ultimately joined Liverpool.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The 25-year-old Dutch sensation was on Erik ten Hag’s radar after the manager took over in May 2022 and had already brought in Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ajax.
Ten Hag was keen to bolster his attack with Gakpo, but a sudden twist saw the deal collapse as negotiations hit a wall. The forward chose to remain at PSV Eindhoven, where he notched up his first career hat-trick against FC Volendam just before the transfer deadline.
In the next window, he made the switch to Anfield, signing a long-term contract. Opening up to TNT Sports about the saga, Gakpo revealed: “In the summer of 2022 I was almost planning to leave and I almost went to United at the end they didn’t want me anymore, things happened.
“Then I could’ve stayed here or went to two other clubs I just prayed about it and found the answer in some goals I scored. I scored a hat-trick and it was the first hat-trick of my career so I think a more clear answer I couldn’t get. And besides, fate guides me a lot and I think my parents guide me a lot in everything I do.”
Former PSV Eindhoven coach Ruud van Nistelrooy sang the praises of Gakpo back in September 2022, following rampant transfer rumours linking the player to Manchester United.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy advised Gakpo on his next move (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
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Van Nistelrooy remarked: “There have been rumours about him since the beginning of the season almost eight weeks ago and we have not seen Cody changing his behaviour up to now.
“There were rumours over the whole period and I admire that a lot in him, he’s working on his development on a daily basis, playing in games and reaching his levels. He’s not distracted, he’s focused on games he has to play and focused on his next game. For a young guy like him, it’s special to see that attitude.”
Gakpo, who eventually sealed a move to Liverpool instead, disclosed in February 2023 a candid discussion he had with Van Nistelrooy: “To be honest, I spoke to him [Van Nistelrooy] a lot about United in the summer when the transfer looked like it may be coming.
“But in the winter, not really. It was Ruud’s wish that I went to a big club – and I think I have achieved that with Liverpool. There was a lot of speculation in the summer. It was the first window where it was possible to move and so, yes, it affected me a little bit.
“But then there was one moment when I just said, ‘forget about it, play your best game, and maybe it will happen next summer or in the winter’. That’s what I tried to do and it went well.”
Kano Pillars FC have added six new players to their ranks during the mid-season transfer window as they look to shore up the former league champions in the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Sai Masu Gida delved into the transfer market to purchase former Lillestrom of Norway midfielder, Charles Ezeh and Alex Jerry who staged a return to the team after his stint in the Maltese Premier League.
Other players acquired include Dawud Ibrahim, a left-back from Kebbi United, Uzogara Kennedy, a central defender from Rivers United.
In attack, the club has secured the services of three strikers—Eshimitu Gomino Eya from FRSC, Hadi Mohammed Olanrewaju from Bayelsa United.
These signings aim to add the necessary depth and quality as the Sai Masu Gida seek to refine their season and push for stronger performances in the league.
Meanwhile, the club announced the departure of four players from the club. Usman Aminu Maidubji and Yusuf Abdullahi have moved on loan to NNL side Barau FC and Plateau United, respectively, until the end of the season.
Additionally, Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Anaful’s contract was terminated by mutual consent, while striker Abdulmajeed Aminu is set to complete a move to South African side Moneni Pirates.
While bidding farewell to the departing players, the club’s chairman, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, welcomed the new signings and urged them to give their best in restoring Kano Pillars to its glory
