Jurgen Klopp has revealed why Liverpool decided to make a surprise move for Dutch star Cody Gakpo, who was widely expected to join Manchester United.
The Reds confirmed their latest addition on Wednesday night, with the forward set to join the Premier League side from PSV Eindhoven for a fee of up to £44 million (R905 million).
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Gakpo has been in scintillating form in the 2022/23 season so far with 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 matches for PSV, while his stock rose further during the 2022 FIFA World Cup when he netted three strikes in five appearances.
With reports suggesting that United would sign the 23-year-old in January after a failed move for him in August, many expected the Dutchman to join the Red Devils from the Eredivisie giants, but the Merseyside club has acted quicker than their famous arch-rivals in securing his signature.
Liverpool boss Klopp has since opened up about why the Reds signed the prolific goalscorer.
"It really is great news for us that we have been able to do it, and I have to say it has been a fantastic job by everyone involved, especially Julian [Ward, Liverpool sporting director]," the German tactician said, per the Daily Mirror.
"The work that has gone into this has been really impressive.
"And in the end we have managed to sign a player who we have known about for quite some time and who we believe will have a really bright future with us.
"There is a lot to like about Cody. He is still only 23 years old but he already has a lot of experience.
"He was the captain of PSV, he was the Player of the Year in Holland last season and, as a lot of people have just seen, he also had a great World Cup with his national team.
"So, it is clear that he is already a really, really good player.
"His age also means he also has the potential to become even better.
"Offensively, he is very versatile, and on top of this we know he is a smart footballer and also a smart person, so we are really excited to be able to work with him."
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Gakpo will officially start training on Sunday, and could make his first appearance for the Reds against Brentford on Monday.
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