Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Netherlands international forward Cody Gakpo, PSV Eindhoven have announced.
The 23-year-old will join Liverpool for a reported £37 million after months of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United. The news came on the same day the Anfield club clinched a 3-1 victory at Aston Villa in their Premier League clash.
The deal could rise to £50 million in potential add-ons in a record sale for PSV, and Gakpo’s addition on Merseyside will help to bolster Liverpool’s attacking options with Luis Diaz and Diego Jota sidelined with injury.
PSV announced the deal on Monday evening in a statement on the club’s website: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
“The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.”
Gakpo has managed 30 goal contributions in 24 games for PSV this season, scoring 13 times and creating 17 goals.
He also scored three goals in five games for the Netherlands at the World Cup, as he helped his country reach the quarter-finals, only beaten by eventual champions Argentina.
Although neither club plans to officially disclose the transfer fee, general manager Marcel Brands revealed it was a “club record” for PSV.
Chelsea were also understood to be in the race for Gakpo alongside Manchester United, but Liverpool certainly appear to have come out on top considering the latest developments for one of Europe’s most sought-after players.
Leeds United came close to securing the winger’s services last summer, but after a deal crumbled, Gakpo’s stock rose quickly thanks to his strong performances for PSV and the Dutch national team.
Liverpool continued their impressive league form after a stagnant start by beating Villa, and next up for Jurgen Klopp’s side is an encounter with struggling Leicester City on Friday night.
