Liverpool's sudden capture of Cody Gakpo from under the nose of Manchester United may have surprised the footballing world over the past few days but all focus has quickly turned to the date of his Reds debut.
Jurgen Klopp has been hit hard with countless injuries so far this season but it was the long-term issues with Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz which forced his hand into making further additions to his side, with Gakpo seen as an ideal replacement for the Portuguese and Colombian.
And following the 23-year-old's confirmed move to Merseyside on Wednesday, here's when you can expect to see the Netherlands international in a Liverpool shirt for the first time.
When can Gakpo make his Liverpool debut?
Despite signing for Liverpool ahead of Friday's Premier League fixture with Leicester City, Gakpo will not make his Reds debut until next month.
This is because Gakpo does not become an official Liverpool player until the transfer window opens on Sunday, January 1, 2023, meaning he cannot play in any fixtures before that date.
Can he play against Brentford?
The first possible game that Gakpo can feature in will be Liverpool's Premier League clash against Brentford on Monday, January 2, 2023.
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However, Gakpo still needs a UK work permit and his application will not be submitted until the Premier League transfer window opens on New Year's Day (Sunday), leaving him little time to be granted his work permit ahead of Monday's clash with the Bees.
Furthermore, the Dutch transfer window does not open until Tuesday, January 3, 2023, meaning that the 23-year-old "might need special dispensation to play against Brentford", according to The Athletic.
When else can Gakpo make his debut?
Should Gakpo fail to feature against Brentford on Monday (January 2), then it is almost guaranteed that he will make his Liverpool debut against Wolves in their FA Cup Third Round tie at Anfield on Saturday, January 7.
The Dutchman will then be able to make his Premier League debut a week later when the Reds travel to face Brighton on Saturday, January 14 at the Amex Stadium.
