Marcel Brands explains why PSV could not ‘stop’ Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool move

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PSV Eindhoven director Marcel Brands insists there was nothing the Eredivisie giants could do to stop Cody Gakpo moving to the Premier League with Liverpool during the January transfer window, speaking to BNR’s The Friday Move podcast. 

If any player sums up the fickle, ever-changeable nature of football, it’s Gakpo. Outstanding six days previously in that 7-0 mauling of Manchester United, the £37 million Dutch international was little more than a frustrated spectator as Liverpool followed up one of their best-ever results with a shock loss at relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Despite an inconsistent start to life at Anfield, Gakpo still has four goals in eight Premier League starts, however; maintaining the prolific form he showcased during the first half of the campaign at PSV. 

And Brands, who’s side have bounced back following their talisman’s mid-season departure, believes PSV were powerless to prevent Gakpo’s departure once Liverpool showed a willingness to put their money where their mouth is. 

“Of course, it was a financial issue,” says the former Everton chief. “But on the other hand, you also have to be realistic. If Liverpool come for Gakpo and promises have been made, you can’t stop that.” 

Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are fourth in the table but just six points behind Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord; the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Xavi Simons taking on a talismanic role in Gakpo’s absence. 

“(Gakpo is) the best player I played with at PSV,” says Belgium U21 international Yorbe Vertessen, now on loan at Union Saint-Gilloise. 

“That first goal (against Man United) was typical Cody; cutting in and looking for the far corner. That second goal was also beautifully done. It approached perfection.

“I’m happy for him that his transfer to Liverpool has worked out so well. Cody was someone who often talked to me to give me confidence. He also often gave me advice. He supported me a lot.”