Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has already revealed how Jurgen Klopp can get the best out of Cody Gakpo as he edges towards a move to Liverpool.
The Dutch forward looked set to be one of the most sought-after players in Europe ahead of the January transfer window following his sparkling displays for PSV Eindhoven and at the World Cup. Man Utd were credited with a huge interest in Gakpo, with compatriot Erik ten Hag keen.
However, the Reds have steamed in ahead of the window opening with the Dutch side confirming a deal is already in the works. An official statement from the Eredivisie club read: “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.”
It remains to be seen quite where the young Dutchman will fit into the Reds’ plans should he complete a mid-season move to Anfield. Former Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has already weighed in on Gakpo’s abilities having coached him during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has pointed to one specific position where he could thrive.
Speaking earlier this month, the ex-Man Utd man said: "Things can change but Cody has everything it takes to become a star. He has a wonderful personality to become a star player because he is open minded to anything and everything.
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"Cody is a very young player - he is 23 but looks younger. He has only been playing with PSV for two, three years and always played from the left. He did not want to play in the centre or at 10, but he did have to for me. Now he thinks I am a great head coach!"
Gakpo was one of the standout players at the World Cup having netted three goals as the Oranje reached the quarter-finals only to fall to eventual winners Argentina. That form was a continuation of the stunning form he enjoyed throughout the first-half of the campaign.
The 23-year-old scored 13 goals and notched 17 assists in all competitions ahead of the enforced break for the World Cup - the vast majority of those matches seeing him stationed out on the left flank.
Should Gakpo arrive on Merseyside, the young Dutchman could forge himself an immediate role in the side with Luis Diaz having been ruled out for the foreseeable future with injury. Meanwhile, Portuguese forward Diogo Jota has also been restricted to the sidelines.
In their respective absences, record signing Darwin Nunez has been used on the left and he was certainly effective in the Reds’ 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day having teed up Stefan Bajcetic for his first senior goal.
