Liverpool fans were understandably delighted when a £35m deal for Cody Gakpo was announced – however, Jürgen Klopp‘s latest comments provide cause for concern.
What’s the story?
Well, despite the fact Liverpool are getting their hands on a fantastic footballer in the Netherlands international, many have questioned where he will fit into the starting XI.
Gakpo primarily plays on the left of the attack, where Klopp already has the likes of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez to choose from.
The real problem position is the central midfield department – however, Klopp has now revealed that the £35m spent on Gakpo may limit what else he and Julian Ward can do in the market.
As quoted by the Independent, the 55-year-old said: “The money you spend (now) has an impact on the money you can spend (in future). It’s not that it increases it. It has nothing to do with each other. We know what we want to do and we will see if we can do it. It’s about money, of course.”
If Gakpo’s arrival means no central midfield reinforcements arrive this month, it should frustrate Liverpool fans – it’s like upgrading your washing machine for the sake of it, despite having a broken fridge.
Liverpool’s recruitment is usually spot on, although you have to question what their priorities are right now.
Some may argue that Klopp is simply bluffing, and is unlikely to tell the world he has millions to spend on new signings.
However, the Reds are not known to be huge spenders under Fenway Sports Group (FSG) – with the exception of pricey moves for Virgil van Dijk and Alisson after the £142m sale of Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool could use Gakpo in midfield
Interestingly, Gakpo has actually played as an attacking midfielder before, as shown by Transfermarkt.
While the Dutchman is highly unlikely to become the Jude Bellingham or Moises Caicedo-type midfielder Liverpool needs, his versatility gives Liverpool the option of putting him at the tip of a midfield three, with two holding midfielders behind.
Gakpo is a superb athlete, who can roam about the pitch with ease as a result of his leggy 6 ft 4 in frame, so he would be able to get up and down the pitch, helping Liverpool defend as well as attack.
If the 23-year-old’s arrival on Merseyside does prevent Klopp from bolstering his centre-midfield department, at least he could provide some sort of short-term fix for the problem.
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