Reported Liverpool transfer target Cody Gakpo has been named as the player to watch at the World Cup on Friday.
Gakpo is in action as Holland take on Ecuador in today’s 4pm kick-off. And when asked by tottenhamhotspur.com to name his player to keep a close eye on, Spurs defender Matt Doherty picked the 23-year-old.
“Dutch winger Cody Gakpo. There is a lot of hype about him, and he’s very young, but he still scored in Holland’s first game against Senegal,” said Doherty. “Let’s take a closer look today.”
The PSV Eindhoven man is sure to be the centre of attention as numerous top clubs watch him in action.
Gakpo draws the eyes of the elite
Should Gakpo add another goal to his collection against Ecuador, the race to sign him could heat up even more.
Right now, Liverpool are said to be one of the leaders in that race. Along with Manchester United, the Reds are claimed to have scouted the Dutchman more heavily than any other club.
It stands to reason then, that the recruitment team from Liverpool will be watching today’s game, just like Doherty.
If they feel moved by Gakpo’s performance, Calciomercato report that they’ll have to pay £43m to get him in January. Given the levels of excitement over the winger, that doesn’t sound like an awful price.
More pertinent may be whether Liverpool actually need to sign him. Although he has potential to play across the front-line, Gakpo looks most comfortable on the left of the attack.
While Luis Diaz is currently injured, he’s pretty much got that position sown up when he returns.
With Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez also able to fill in there, it doesn’t feel like an area of the pitch that needs immediate refreshment.
Nevertheless, Gakpo would an exciting signing for Liverpool. As Reds fans settle down to see how Virgil van Dijk gets on, it’s worth keeping an eye on this transfer target, too.