The question around Cody Gakpo’s immediate future seemed to be whether he’d join Manchester United in January or stay with PSV until the summer.
That was until Monday evening, when the news broke that Liverpool - initially priced at 18/1 to sign Gakpo in the 2023 January transfer window - have agreed a fee with PSV with the Dutch international set to sign when the transfer window opens.
We take a look at what Gakpo can offer.
How good is Cody Gakpo?
Liverpool rarely make missteps in the transfer market, with recent hits including Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, which should give a steer about how good Cody Gakpo is.
He also impressed in the group stages at the World Cup, with a headed goal to break the deadlock against Senegal, followed by a rasping left-footed finish against Ecuador and a cool finish with his preferred right foot against Qatar.
Various sources cite his height between 6ft2 and 6ft4, making Gakpo a tall, rangy winger who can pose a threat in the air, though he much prefers the ball into feet where he poses a constant threat to defenders with his pace and excellent dribbling.
A very strong finisher, Gakpo can score with either foot, and has a number of long-range goals to his name.
Linked with the likes of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Southampton in the summer, his fantastic start to the Eredivisie season, where he’s scored nine goals and made 12 assists in 14 games, as well as his performances at the World Cup, saw him linked with a host of bigger names.
Manchester United were most strongly linked with Gakpo, with Ten Hag familiar with the PSV man from his time as Ajax manager, but have been beaten to the punch by their rivals.
Will Cody Gakpo start?
That will likely depend on the fitness of his colleagues. While Luis Diaz is out injured, expect Gakpo to start on the left wing, though there may be occasions when Jurgen Klopp opts to switch Gakpo with centre forward Darwin Nunez, who can also play off the left.
However when everyone is fully fit, Diaz likely has enough credit in the bank from his first 12 months at Anfield to start, but with a congested fixture list, Gakpo should get plenty of minutes.
How much will Cody Gakpo cost?
A deal for £37m was agreed, with add-ons taking the total fee to around £44m.
Who does Cody Gakpo play for?
As of 1st January, Gakpo will be a Liverpool player, having agreed a deal with PSV.
What position does Cody Gakpo play?
Gakpo is most commonly deployed as a left winger where he can cut in onto his favoured right foot, but is also capable as playing as a centre-forward.
How old is Cody Gakpo?
Born on 7th May 1999, Gakpo is 23 and will turn 24 near the end of the season.
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