Manchester United were directly the trigger for Liverpool to move for Cody Gakpo right now, according to reports. The old rivals have inspired this one.
This comes from The Times. They say that Liverpool decided to move for Cody Gakpo expressly because Manchester United were trying to force through a move.
This, they say, is very similar to Luis Díaz last year. That time saw Tottenham Hotspur trying to sign the Colombian, only for Liverpool to jump in and get the player. The Reds had been willing to wait until the summer but Spurs forced their hand.
And it’s very much a similar situation here. Liverpool were willing to wait on Gakpo but United’s persistence forces them to make an early move. They’ll now finalise a deal with PSV Eindhoven of around £37m rising to £50m.
The 23-year-old forward will hopefully have his medical over the next few days – and a full agreement is there.
Liverpool to beat Manchester United to Cody Gakpo
It doesn’t get too much better than this, in all honesty. Liverpool could use an extra player on the left right now, with Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz both out injured.
They could always use fantastic quality up top, too. Gakpo brings that – nine goals and 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games about sums that up.
And, of course, there’s no better way to a signing than beating Manchester United to it. If that truly is the case here – and it appears to be – then Liverpool are performing miracles.
It’s hard not to smile at this, though, as the 23-year-old is a fantastic player and one with the versatility to fit right in at Anfield.
What a fantastic Christmas present this one is.
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