Former Liverpool and Holland midfielder Bolo Zenden believes PSV Eindhoven have an almighty task on their hands to keep World Cup breakout star Cody Gakpo at the club beyond January.
The 23-year-old, who was linked with moves to Manchester United and Leeds United during the summer, has flourished under the tutelage of Louis Van Gaal this winter and is currently tied with Marcus Rashford, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Alvaro Morata as the top goalscorer at the Qatar finals.
However, following his impressive haul of 13 goals and 17 assists so far this season for PSV, the forward has been linked with a move to Anfield, with Italian outlet Calciomercato suggesting a fee of £43m would be enough to lure him away from Holland. But Zenden, who played 54 times for his country, insists PSV will be resigned to losing their goal-scoring prodigy.
READ MORE: Luis Suarez breaks silence on Uruguay exit with furious interview
“I’m not sure if PSV can keep him after this World Cup in the winter transfer window, or will he still finish [the season] at PSV and go in the summer. But one thing’s for sure, this is going to be his last season at PSV," said the former Reds midfielder.
“He’s definitely got a bright future. He’s strong, he’s able to dribble, he’s not backing out of any situation. But of course, you have to be mindful that he’s still a young player, he still has to develop. Is he capable of that? I think he is. It’s logical to be making the next step now at his age, to go and perform at another level.
“He’d be a great addition to the Premier League.”
Prior to the World Cup, however, Gakpo refused to be drawn into discussions about a potential move away from Philips Stadium and instead claimed he would be ready to take a move abroad at the end of the domestic season.
"I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that step," said Gakpo on the transfer speculation prior to the World Cup. “I feel like I was already that way at the beginning of this season, but after this season I’m even more ready to take the next one. To take a step.
“PSV was always my dream club. I don’t really have one for the rest. Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honour to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team I can best achieve my goals.”
READ NEXT:
-
Virgil van Dijk speaks out on Liverpool takeover after FSG sale decision
-
Luis Suarez breaks silence on Uruguay exit with furious interview
-
Liverpool about to get glimpse of midfielder Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards were desperate to sign
-
Liverpool are running out of time to make contract decision that could hurt most
-
Liverpool striker felt 'ignored' by Jurgen Klopp before regretting £32.5m transfer
