Cody Gakpo reached an agreement with Jurgen Klopp’s side on Wednesday, and signed from PSV for £44m when the transfer window opens on New Year’s Day. This is a surprise deal for the Anfeield team because Gakpo was revealed to be very close to joining Manchester United.
However, it was the impact from the great rival that forced Liverpool to rush to complete the deal. According to sources on the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool initially wanted to sign Gakpo next summer. but they planned in advance to prevent him from moving to Old Trafford.
Liverpool changed transfer plans because of Gakpo.
In addition, the source also confirmed that Liverpool have been following the 23-year-old player for some time. The deal was finalized after intense negotiations as staff from both clubs worked until Christmas Day. Klopp is said to have convinced the board to quickly recruit Gakpo in place of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, who are currently sidelined through injury.
Gakpo is in high form this season. Besides 3 goals at the 2022 World Cup, the player born in 1999 also scored 13 goals in 24 matches in all competitions for PSV before the winter break.
Lu Feng | 09:25 02/01/2023
