Liverpool coach Pep Lijnders believes PSV Eindhoven talisman Cody Gakpo is the Premier League giants’ ‘missing link’, Dutch football reporter Hans Kraay Jr tells ESPN.
Now, Lijnders is not merely Liverpool’s assistant coach..
He is one of Jurgen Klopp’s closest confidantes, and plays a key role in the club’s recruitment plans. Lijnders watched Luis Diaz closely before the Merseyside giants invested a £37 million fee in the then-Porto wideman during the January transfer window (Liverpool Echo).
And, given the immediate impact Diaz made on English soil, Lijnders’ opinion on another of Europe’s most exciting young forwards is worth listening too, especially with Liverpool falling some way short of their usually sky-high standards since Sadio Mane’s summer departure to Bayern Munich.
Could Liverpool beat Manchester United to PSV star Cody Gakpo?
Gakpo, an explosive left-winger who can score and create in equal measure, is almost certain to be on the move next year after mustering nine goals and 12 assists in 13 games so far this term. The small pond that is the Eredivisie has most definitely been outgrown.
Manchester United are expected to be at the front of the queue. But keep a keen eye on another North West outfit in the market for some fresh blood.
“Lijnders has said: ‘Gakpo is our missing link’,” explains Kraay Jr. “He is taken very seriously at Liverpool and he is one of the few people Klopp listens to.”
Gakpo will reportedly cost somewhere in the region of £40 million. PSV rejected Leeds United’s bid in the summer, the Netherlands international admitting that Southampton also made an approach. Gakpo, speaking to The Times, confirms that he held talks with Erik ten Hag too.
And, with injuries to Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial exposing the lack of depth in Ten Hag’s frontline – coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s Old Trafford future – Man United remain the favourites to secure Gakpo’s signature as things stand.
‘An all-round player’
“He is a good player. (Gakpo) always finds a way to have an influence,” says Dutch and Premier League legend Robin Van Persie. “In terms of getting an assist or scoring a goal.
“(Gakpo) is always dangerous (but) not really an out-and-out striker. He can play as a No.10, on the (left) wing, as a false striker or on the right wing.
“He has a good physique. He’s strong, fast and can dribble. An all-round player.”
Gakpo stood out again as PSV beat title rivals Ajax in Amsterdam on Sunday. A 2-1 victory in the capital lifts Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side to the top of the Eredivisie table.
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