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.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp 'worst' confession already being tested as Liverpool reach the end
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Joe Gomez terrible and six others awful in Wolves embarrassment
However, for Eindhoven, the deal evoked mixed emotions as they waved goodbye to their captain and best forward, who had starred during the World Cup in Qatar with three goals for the Netherlands, but also achieved a healthy fee for a player who joined the club's ranks at the age of eight.
"You are happy that you were able to take the financial pressure off for a while,” said Brands, who used to hold a similar role at the Reds' Merseyside rivals Everton. “But as a football man it hurts that you lose two of your best players (Noni Madueke was subsequently sold to Chelsea). That mix is always there. You are proud that Cody is going to a club like Liverpool.
“It also hurts your heart a little. That financial necessity was there, we knew that. We were able to anticipate that well.”
Gakpo is yet to score for the Reds since making his debut against Wolves in the FA Cup in January. He failed to find the net as Liverpool were beaten 3-0 at Wolves in the Premier League today.
READ NEXT:
Jamie Carragher gives damning one-word verdict on two Liverpool players after Wolves defeat
What Wolves fans sang to Jurgen Klopp offers final insult as Liverpool hit new low
Jurgen Klopp makes confidence statement after Liverpool humiliated by Wolves
Jurgen Klopp sends blunt warning to Liverpool players after 'horrible' Wolves moment
Rate the players as Liverpool slump to Premier League defeat at Wolves
