Liverpool close in on move for PSV and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo

In news that has somewhat shocked the footballing world, PSV’s Cody Gakpo looks destined for a switch to Anfield this January.

The Dutchman had been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, however, they appear to have missed out on the forward with Fabrizio Romano all but confirming Gakpo’s arrival at Liverpool. The supposed fee is in the region of £37m; a steal if Gakpo continues to perform as he has in recent seasons.

The winger notched an impressive 12 goals and 13 assists last season in the Eredivisie, continuing his fine scoring record this campaign with 9 goals and a further 12 assists in just 14 league appearances.

Gakpo also boasts a strong record of three goals and two assists in this season’s Europa League showing he is able to perform on the European stage.

Moreover, three goals in five World Cup appearances for the Netherlands recently in Qatar has helped cement the 23-year-old’s place as one of football’s hottest talents and is perhaps what triggered Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool to swoop in ahead of their rivals and secure his signature.

There’s no question the Reds haven’t looked the same since Sadio Mane left for Bayern Munich in the summer, as striker Darwin Nunez is yet to find any real consistency and winger Luis Diaz still side-lined with an injury. This means Gakpo will likely rack up minutes for his new side, and at 23, he could be the long-term to Mohammed Salah with the Egyptian now 30.

If nothing else, having Gakpo all but signed before the window opens once again reaffirms Liverpool’s place as one of football’s smoothest operators in terms of transfer efficiency, as they look to have secured another top signing without paying over the odds.