Who is Cody Gakpo? Liverpool's new Dutch goal machine

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
3 min read

Cody Gakpo, Johan Bakayoko, PSV, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Cody Gakpo seemed for so long to be heading to Man Utd in January 2023, but not any more after Liverpool swooped for the Dutch World Cup star.

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The Anfield giants announced on Wednesday night that they have signed the 23-year-old attacker.

Gakpo already had 13 goals and 17 assists from just 24 games for PSV this term before heading to the World Cup in Qatar with the Netherlands, where he scored three in five matches with his country.

Gakpo extended his PSV contract until 2026 recently, but that was primarily done to guarantee a significant fee for their star attacker, which could now have doubled with his international performances.

Being beaten to Gakpo by their most bitter of rivals is a major blow for Man Utd and their manager Erik ten Hag, but why did these two Premier League giants want him so badly?

What position does Cody Gakpo play in?

Gakpo primarily lines up on the left flank for PSV, but he was used right up front in Qatar.

Cody Gakpo stats: A goalscorer and an assist machine

Gakpo has been terrific for PSV in 2022-23, scoring 12 times in 21 appearances in all competitions.

But it is when you throw in the value Cody brings as a provider that his potential worth goes off the charts. He has racked up an astonishing 15 assists in those 21 PSV games so far this season. Twelve of those have come in just 13 Eredivisie starts.

The fee: How much will Cody Gakpo cost?

It looks like Gakpo will become PSV's most expensive sale of all time when he completes his Anfield move during the January transfer window.

The reported deal with Liverpool adds up to €57million with €42m up front and €15m in subsequent payments.

PSV's previous record sale was €42m when Hirving Lozano left for Napoli in 2019.

How good is Cody Gakpo?

Eindhoven-born and bred, Gakpo joined PSV's youth ranks in 2007. He made swift progress through their youth ranks before making his senior debut in September 2018, when he came on and scored against Excelsior in the KNVB Cup.

Gakpo is very much in the mould of a modern winger in that he is deployed on the left but likes to cut inside on his favoured right foot.

Using his outstanding dribbling skills and electric speed, he'll make his way into a more central area to either get a shot away or try and set up a team-mate.

He has been one of the players of the season in the Netherlands, with his 30 goal involvements coming in at a rate of one every 65 minutes he has played.

Gakpo made his debut for the Netherlands at Euro 2020 and is now up to 12 caps, with six goals in that time.

Former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen told Dutch publication NOS about Gakpo: “That boy has everything. Fine feeling for the ball, a good through-ball, dribbles and is strong between the lines.

“I really enjoy him. He's going to be an important player for the Oranje squad."

Which clubs were interested in Cody Gakpo?

Man Utd always appeared to lead the race to sign Gakpo, until Liverpool swooped just before the January window opened. Arsenal were also reportedly in the hunt for the young Dutchman.

Gakpo himself had previously left the door open about his next destination.

"PSV was always my dream club," he told NOS.

"I don't really have one for the rest. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool - it'd be an honour to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team I can best achieve my goals."