PSV Eindhoven director of football Marcel Brands has admitted it hurt to sell Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.
Speaking in an interview with Dutch outlet Voetbalzone, the club official spoke of his pride at the 23-year-old getting the chance to play at Anfield, before claiming it was sad to part ways with the attacker.
“You are happy that you were able to take the financial pressure off for a while,” Brands said.
“But as a football man it hurts that you lose two of your best players [Gakpo and Noni Madueke]. That mix is always there. You are proud that Cody is going to a club like Liverpool.
“But it also hurts your heart a little. That financial necessity was there, we knew that. We were able to anticipate that well.”
The Netherlands international joined the Reds in January in a deal worth £37m plus add-ons.
Gakpo needs time to adjust
As a 23-year-old who has only played club football in his native country before the move, Gakpo needs time to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League – like the vast majority of players who arrive.
Thus far, the Dutchman has played six times for Liverpool, having started in each game.
Although he is yet to score or assist, his performances have gradually gotten better.
Usually, players would come off the bench for a few games before being thrown into the starting XI.
Jurgen Klopp hasn’t been able to do that with Gakpo, as he currently faces injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
However, as shown by his time at PSV and his tournament at the World Cup, the winger is a hugely talented prospect.
Just because he hasn’t set the Premier League alight does not mean he won’t enjoy a successful career at Anfield.
Hailed by James Milner as ‘outstanding’ for his performance against Brighton, Gakpo is certainly climatising to what Klopp wants from him.
Therefore, he will soon be flying in a Reds shirt – it will just take a little bit of time.