Liverpool have wasted little time in strengthening their attacking options with the £44million signing of Holland international Cody Gakpo.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are playing catch up in the race for the Premier League top four but the signing of Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven – ahead of rivals Manchester United – is a statement of intent.
On the face of it, Liverpool already appear to be blessed with plenty of firepower. However, delve a little deeper and it’s easy to see why the move has been made for 23-year-old Gakpo after he impressed at the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo enjoyed a good World Cup with Holland and has now signed for Liverpool
The left-sided attacker will wear the No 18 shirt at Anfield after Liverpool paid £44m for him
Colombian striker Luis Diaz, who has four goals this season, could be sidelined until March after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury during Liverpool’s World Cup training camp in Dubai.
Portuguese forward Diogo Jota suffered a calf injury in Liverpool’s win over Manchester City in October and unfortunately missed the World Cup. He will still be out for several more weeks.
Darwin Nunez has performed pretty well since Liverpool paid a club-record £85m for him in the summer but the Uruguayan still has only five Premier League goals to his credit and nine overall.
Jurgen Klopp may appear to have plenty of attacking options – but that isn’t necessarily true
Colombian attacker Luis Diaz is expected to be sidelined until March with a knee injury
Then there’s the longer-term to think of. Roberto Firmino also has nine for the campaign in all competitions but he is out of contract in the summer.
Luckily, Mohamed Salah is as prolific as ever, but all things considered, it isn’t surprising that Klopp felt the need to enter the market for another forward to keep the season alive.
The Reds are still five points off the top four and a seemingly insurmountable 15 off leaders Arsenal. They’re out the Carabao Cup and have to confront Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Diogo Jota is also currently out with a calf injury, offering Gakpo the chance to play regularly
Mohamed Salah has been leading the way in terms of goals during Liverpool’s season so far
Darwin Nunez has scored five Premier League goals and nine overall since his £85m arrival
Roberto Firmino’s long-term future at Anfield is up in the air with his contract running down
But Gakpo will provide a stick of…