Liverpool has confirmed the signing of Netherlands striker Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.
The Reds swooped for the 23-year-old PVS star player after beating arch-rivals Manchester United to his signature in a contract reportedly worth £45 million.
Cody Gakpo will officially join the Merseyside club when the transfer window opens on Sunday, January 1st, 2023.
It was revealed on Boxing Day that Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven both reached an agreement for Gakpo’s deal before the forward signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League club after passing his medicals without any complications.
The Netherlands forward enjoyed a sensational start to the 2022/23 season, scoring 13 times and laying on 17 assists in 24 matches for the Dutch club this season.
He also did well in his international duty as he made three goal contributions for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
And on Boxing Day, PSV confirmed via an official statement that a club-record deal had been struck between the two teams to facilitate the transfer of the Netherlands forward to the Premier League club.
Liverpool, thereafter confirmed the move on Wednesday evening, December 28 with a statement reading: ‘The 23-year-old forward will officially become a Reds player at the start of the January transfer window after agreeing on personal terms and completing a medical at the AXA Training Centre.’
Meanwhile, several English clubs had been showing interest in signing Gakpo, with arch-rivals Manchester United also on the run for a potential deal.
The Red Devils had been considered most favorite to secure Gakpo’s deal but they missed out after they were lowered to exploring loan deals owing to the Glazers looking to sell the club.
Cody Gakpo even admitted he was optimistic that a move to Manchester United would come through but no attempt was made by the Red Devils to sign him.
However, Liverpool has succeeded in their chase for the 23-year-old Netherlands striker after following their smart move to secure his deal.
And the new arrival, Gakpo seems extremely delighted to join Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League team after the transfer to United collapsed.
Gakpo told Merseyside club official: “I feel really good, I’m excited to be here. I’m looking forward to starting training and start playing for this amazing club.”
“I think this is a great club for me to come in and try to show what I can [do] and try to help the team to achieve more beautiful moments that they already did in the past years.”
Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo’s transfer happened amid worries over Luis Diaz’s injury following his knee surgery while Darwin Nunez is still struggling to find his form up-front.
Gakpo will officially become a Liverpool player on the 1st of January after his work permit has been issued.
And it’s more likely that the newcomer could make his debut for Liverpool in their Premier League encounter against Brentford on the 2nd of January.
