27 Dec 2022

Liverpool set to confirm signing of Dutch star Gakpo

3:21 pm on 27 December 2022

Liverpool have agreed to sign star Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch club says.

Netherlands' forward Cody Gakpo celebrates

Netherlands' forward Cody Gakpo celebrates Photo: AFP

Gakpo, 23, had an impressive World Cup in Qatar, scoring three goals as he helped the Netherlands reach the quarter-finals.

The fee for the winger is expected to be between 40m-50m euros ($NZ67-84 million).

PSV say Gakpo will travel to England to complete the deal, adding that it would be a record transfer for them.

Liverpool have made a move with forwards Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Gakpo.

"The PSV management completed the negotiations on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England," said a statement from the Eredivisie side.

Gakpo has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists in 14 league games for PSV.

He has also managed three goals and registered two assists in five Europa League outings.

At the World Cup, he scored in each of his country's group games against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar.

Reds defender Virgil van Dijk, an international team-mate, spoke glowingly about the winger during the World Cup.

"Hopefully Cody can go to the moon and back," said Van Dijk during the tournament in Qatar.

"He is a very good player and a good boy too.

"What we see in training is what you see on the pitch. There is still so much potential and I hope he can carry on showing it for us. We are very happy with him."

- BBC