Liverpool have announced the sensational signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.
The versatile attacker, 23, had appeared to be set for a move to Manchester United in the January transfer window, with Erik ten Hag a long-time admirer. But Liverpool swooped in ahead of the Red Devils in stunning fashion to bring the 23-year-old to Anfield instead.
A statement released by the Reds on Wednesday night read: "Liverpool Football Club have reached an agreement for the transfer of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, subject to a work permit.
"The 23-year-old forward will officially become a Reds player at the start of the January transfer window after agreeing personal terms and successfully completing a medical at the AXA Training Centre. Gakpo arrives on the back of an impressive World Cup showing with the Netherlands, netting three goals in five appearances, starring alongside Virgil van Dijk in helping their country reach the quarter-final stage."
With Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz sidelined for several months, Jurgen Klopp moved to boost his attacking options. The deal's completion comes after PSV announced an agreement for Gakpo's transfer to the Reds on Boxing Day.
"PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo," a statement from the Dutch side read.
"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. Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. The PSV management completed the negotiations on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England."
While PSV have insisted that neither club will reveal the price Liverpool had to pay, the fee is understood to be in the region of £37million, rising to £45m with add-ons. "This is a record transfer for PSV," said PSV general manager Marcel Brands.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Cody Gakpo a good signing for Liverpool? Comment below.
The announcement of the deal on Boxing Day came as a surprise to many, with Liverpool seemingly coming from out of the blue to sign Gakpo. But Klopp had hinted before Christmas that the Reds could make a blockbuster move in January.
"All the signs I got in the [December] Dubai training camp were super positive. I trust in our process and the things we do. It was completely different to pre-season. Completely different," the Liverpool boss said.
"In all the games, I saw we were going in the right direction. I am positive we can pick up where we left off rather than go back to the start of the season. I don’t want to start talking about it now but we have two long-term injuries up front, which is not helpful.
"Never was, never will be. Last season, we had Luis Diaz come in [January], which was very helpful for that part of the season, everybody would see that the same way. But doing something again that is very positive - why not?"
Gakpo is understood to have completed his medical on Wednesday and signed a six-year contract after flying over to Merseyside. The Reds will hope he can recreate his stunning form for PSV and at the World Cup with Netherlands.
The 23-year-old scored 13 goals and notched 17 assists for the Eredivisie side this season, as well as captaining the club for a significant period. He then added three more goals to his tally for the campaign at the World Cup, helping Netherlands reach the quarter-finals.
He is in line to make his debut for Liverpool on Monday, when they travel to Brentford. Klopp's side sit sixth in the Premier League as they battle for a Champions League qualification place.
