PSV Eindhoven director Marcel Brands has revealed his club were powerless to prevent Cody Gakpo from joining Liverpool.
Liverpool completed the signing of Gakpo from PSV at the start of the winter window after bringing forward their transfer plans to fend off rival interest from the likes of Manchester United for the Netherlands international.
The versatile forward, who had been a target for the United manager, Erik ten Hag, signed a five-and-a-half year contract with the Reds and cost an initial €40m (£35m). However, the total fee could rise to €50m.