Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo

Liverpool have pulled another coup as they hijacked Manchester United’s top target Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. The Reds sent shockwaves across Europe, after striking a deal for the PSV winger, who was chased by many. Arsenal and Chelsea were credited with an interest in signing the youngster as well, however United were tipped as the frontrunners.

The Red Devils had also opened talks with Gakpo’s agents last summer, but move didn’t go through. However, United were ready to go again in January for the attacker, only for Liverpool to disrupt their plans. PSV have confirmed the sale of their prized asset to the Reds, who will be travelling to England in the next hours to complete the formalities. While this is a timely acquisition for Liverpool, agony has knocked on the door of United fans, who lost their cool at the club.

Cody Gakpo
Liverpool came out of nowhere and hijacked Manchester United’s potential transfer of PSV’s Cody Gakpo. Credits: Twitter

United fans slam the club over missing out on Cody Gakpo

Hours after Liverpool gifted their fans a comfortable 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on the Boxing Day, their joy was doubled as PSV announced the sale of Cody Gakpo to Liverpool. While the Dutch side has kept the details under the wrap, The Athletic reports that a package of £50 million, which includes £37 million as fixed transfer fee and another £13 million in add-ons, was submitted by Liverpool and has been accepted by PSV. The official statement from the Eredivisie club read:

“PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer. Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands. The PSV management completed the negotiations on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.”

Here’s how United fans have reacted to the news of their club missing out on another top target:

While Liverpool fans are surely celebrating their latest signing, United fans have let their club know their harsh feelings. Gakpo was a coveted player thought to be on top of the shop-list of United manager Erik ten hag. And after a stunning World Cup campaign where the winger scored 3 goals in 5 games for the Netherlands in their run-up till the quarterfinals, Gakpo’s stakes went even higher.

However, it is Liverpool who will reap the rewards now after quickly concluding a deal for the 23-year-old. Jurgen Klopp is already shot on options in the attack after losing Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota to long term injuries, and Gakpo’s incoming in January is a boost for the Liverpool boss in difficult times. Klopp will now look to revive Liverpool’s season on the back of a solid signing.