How Liverpool could line up after Cody Gakpo transfer…

How Liverpool could line up after Cody Gakpo transfer as Jurgen Klopp handed Darwin Nunez call

Liverpool are on the brink of adding Cody Gakpo to their squad for the second half of the season after agreeing a deal with PSV Eindhoven.

As reported by the ECHO, the Reds have been in advanced talks to sign the versatile forward after the club accelerated their interest over the last 48 hours. The ECHO understands the initial fee will be around the £37m figure with add-ons likely to take the deal well past the £40m mark.

Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked with a move for the Netherlands international over the past few months. It’s thought the interest from other clubs has prompted Liverpool to make their move for Gakpo ahead of the January transfer window.

“PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo,” a statement from the Dutch club released on Monday night read.

“The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer. Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee.”

Gakpo has scored nine goals and produced 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie matches for PSV so far this season. And the ECHO has taken a look at three ways in which Jurgen Klopp’s side could line up with the Dutchman.

4-3-3

Gakpo is primarily a left-sided player - although right footed - and him slotting in on the left of a 4-3-3 seems logical moving forward. The formation is also one that Reds supporters are used to seeing.

During the Champions League and Premier League title wins, the Reds were often lined-up in a 4-3-3 formation with Roberto Firmino playing down the middle and Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah either side of him.

Now, you would expect Darwin Nunez to be the man playing down the middle with Salah on the right and Gapko on the left. This formation would also allow Reds boss Klopp to rotate and freshen things up in terms of personnel.

4-2-3-1

With 12 assists to his name so far this season, Gapko can create as well as score goals, and that is why it wouldn't be a surprise to see him playing in a number 10 role.

Liverpool, at times this season, have operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation in a bid to freshen things up. The formation would also allow Nunez to play more centrally.

Gakpo has six goals and nine assists from 12 appearances as a left-winger this season, so him operating on the left of a 4-2-3-1 should not be ruled out.

4-4-2

Now for some chaos. Liverpool already have two out-and-out wingers in Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.

So how about seeing Gapko and Nunez line up together as a front two? The Dutchman has played in that position for the Netherlands so it would be nothing new for him.

Given the skills that Gapko possesses, you get the feeling that he and Nunez could compliment each other quite well. It is certainly something for Jurgen Klopp to think about.

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