EPL: Liverpool confirm Gakpo’s signing from PSV

Liverpool have announced the arrival of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.

The Reds will pay a transfer fee between £35m and £45m for the 23-year-old.

Gakpo, who underwent his medical on Merseyside on Wednesday afternoon, is understood to have agreed a deal until 2028, with his transfer subject to a work a permit.

Jurgen Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “There is a lot to like about Cody. He is still only 23 years old but he already has a lot of experience.

“He was the captain of PSV, he was the Player of the Year in Holland last season and, as a lot of people have just seen, he also had a great World Cup with his national team.

“So, it is clear that he is already a really, really good player but his age also means he also has the potential to become even better.

“Offensively, he is very versatile and on top of this we know he is a smart footballer and also a smart person, so we are really excited to be able to work with him.”

He will officially become a Liverpool player on New Year’s Day when the transfer window opens and could be in line to make his debut against Brentford on January 2 on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports.

Why Liverpool signed Gakpo

Liverpool had not planned to sign a forward in January, but injuries to Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz coupled with interest from rivals prompted the club to accelerate their interest.

Manchester United were interested in Gakpo in the summer, when they instead signed Antony from Ajax, but reports suggested they were considering a move for the Netherlands international in the upcoming January transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp, who has long been an admirer of the forward, views Gakpo as a multi-functional attacking player who is more than capable of filling any of the roles across the front three.

Cody Gakpo is top of the goal and assist charts in the Eredivisie this season
Gakpo has had limited training since returning from Qatar and the priority will be to expose him to the first team environment and involve him in as much training as possible before being considered for competitive action.