PSV Eindhoven's director of football Marcel Brands has admitted selling Cody Gakpo to Liverpool made him "proud" despite the club losing one of their finest talents.
The Reds' sporting director Julian Ward worked tirelessly over Christmas to thrash out a deal with his Dutch counterpart and ultimately ensured Jurgen Klopp's side successfully fended off competition from Manchester United and other Premier League teams who had been linked with a move for the 23-year-old.
In doing so, Liverpool agreed to an initial fee of £37m, which could later rise to £44m if such performance-related clauses are met during Gakpo's time on Merseyside.