Liverpool FC has reportedly beaten Premier League Rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Dutch winger Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old is one of the most highly-rated forwards in world soccer. The Dutchman was on Manchester United’s radar since the summer transfer window with the English side tipped to be the favorite to sign him. However, Liverpool has now swooped in with an offer PSV couldn’t refuse.
Liverpool will be paying an initial sum of $45 million, with add-ons expected to be factored in. It was initially reported by top-tier soccer journalists like Fabrizio Romano. Later, the deal was confirmed by PSV’s official Twitter handle. In the social media post, the Dutch club said:
“PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer.”
PSV and @LFC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo.
The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer.
— PSV (@PSV) December 26, 2022
Gakpo has been turning some heads with his recent performances for club and country. The Dutch forward has already racked up 30 goal contributions (13 goals and 17 assists) for PSV this season in all competitions. He has also impressed for the Netherlands in the World Cup. The 23-year-old has been capped 14 times by his national side.
Gakpo has scored 6 goals in 14 appearances for the Netherlands. This includes the forward’s impressive display at the World Cup. At the World Cup, he scored 3 goals in 5 appearances for his national side, finishing as the joint-5th top scorer in Qatar.
Why did Cody Gakpo opt for Liverpool?
This is not the first instance of the Merseyside club signing one of Manchester United’s targets. The same instance occurred in the summer when Jurgen Klopp’s side picked up Darwin Nunez from under their rival’s nose. It seems that in the battle for signatures of world-class talent, Liverpool is pulling ahead.
Reinforcements in attack were needed by both the English Clubs. Manchester United needed a forward to replace the outgoing Cristiano Ronaldo. On the other hand, injuries have plagued Liverpool’s front line. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are nursing long-term injuries, while Roberto Firmino is expected back by 2nd January.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Liverpool have signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, the deal has been signed tonight between clubs. #LFC
Gakpo will sign long-term deal later this week as contract is fully agreed too.
Liverpool will pay £37m plus add-ons, up to £50m potential package. pic.twitter.com/JFSKL6zQKH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 26, 2022
Following in the footsteps of his to-be-teammate Darwin Nunez, the Dutchman snubbed the Red Devils in favor of the Merseyside club. This decision of both these forwards could probably stem from the fact that Liverpool has had more joy in terms of title wins than their rivals in recent years.
Liverpool won the Premier League for the first time since 1989-1990. On the other hand, Manchester United has not tasted Premier League victory since 2013. The more immediate and pertinent reason, however, seems to be the UEFA Champions League factor.
Liverpool has been a Champions League regular for a long time now. The Merseyside club also seems to go further in the competition, unlike most clubs. Manchester United, on the other hand, while appearing in the coveted competition quite a fair bit, are rather inconsistent in terms of UCL appearances.
