The Champions League

Liverpool close in on signing Cody Gakpo

Liverpool are close to signing PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo for around £37 million, according to The Times.

The Merseyside club is fighting to secure the 23-year-old’s signature before January 1. He has six months left on his deal, but Liverpool want to sign him this winter window.

Liverpool would have been sucked into a transfer battle if they tried to take him on a free transfer this summer. He can speak to clubs this winter window ahead of a summer move. The Reds decided to avoid those strenuous negotiations by paying a fee to take him early.

Gakpo is on fire this season. He is the captain of PSV and the team’s talisman, with nine goals and 12 assists in the Eredivisie.

In the Europa League, Gakpo has netted three goals and recorded three assists in five games for his side in only five appearances.

The Netherlands international carried his superb form to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals in five games. Louis Van Gaal led the Dutch team to the quarter-finals, crashing out against Argentina after penalties.

Gakpo sparked the interest of multiple clubs, especially Manchester United and Leeds United. Erik Ten Hag’s side noted Gakpo last summer but did not push enough. They had plans to go in for him again this January or next summer.

Leeds came close to signing Gakpo on the final day of last summer’s transfer window and sporting director Victor Orta went to conclude the purchase. But things did not work out.

Gakpo will provide competition for Luis Diaz on the left side of Liverpool’s attack. The Colombian will be out of action for the next three months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

Gakpo can also deputise as a striker and on the right if his team needs him to. The deal for the star is progressing well. Liverpool have a strong relationship with Gakpo’s representatives, SEG. They represent Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and ten Hag.

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