Cody Gakpo has penned a long-term contract with Liverpool after completing a move from PSV Eindhoven.
The 23-year-old arrives on the eve of the January transfer window and will become the first signing of 2023. His highly anticipated move comes just 10 days after the completion of the World Cup in which he scored three goals in five games for Holland prior to their Quarter-Final exit.
For Jurgen Klopp, he can now provide much-needed depth and quality in a decimated attack following injuries to Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
READ MORE: Cody Gakpo signs for Liverpool as transfer fee and contract length confirmed
READ MORE: Cody Gakpo has proven Tom Werner wasn't bluffing about FSG and Liverpool
Liverpool made a winning return to the Premier League as they look to right the wrongs of an indifferent, yet disappointing first-half of the campaign.
The blueprint of the Reds' pursuit of Gakpo mirrors their successful acquisition of Diaz from FC Porto, last January. Tottenham Hotspur saw their efforts to sign him scuppered as the six-time Champions League winners swooped in to capture the Colombian.
He provided a breath of fresh air for Liverpool's attack and it is the hope that the 23-year-old Holland international can have a similar impact ahead of a crucial period for Klopp.
Gakpo could feature prominently on the route to Istanbul in the quest for redemption following the disappointment in Paris, last May.
However, some questions have emerged over whether he can feature for the Reds in the Champions League with the knockout campaign kicking off against Real Madrid in February after his appearances for PSV during the qualifying stage.
Coincidentally, he featured against Rangers during the early stages of the competition who went on to be opponents for Klopp in the Group Stages.
But as was the case for Diaz in 2022, Liverpool will be relieved that under the UEFA guidance, they can add three new players after the winter transfer window closes for the latter stages.
Meaning, irrespective of Gakpo's involvement previously in the competition, the latest acquisition can be registered.
Klopp was forced to leave out Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the initial 24-man squad but both have since returned from their respective injuries. On-loan midfielder Arthur Melo, in turn, has been consigned to the treatment table leaving his status in the squad looking precarious.
READ NEXT:
PSV make classy Cody Gakpo request after Liverpool transfer announcement
'Glazers out' - Manchester United fans fume after Liverpool confirm Cody Gakpo deal
Jurgen Klopp reacts to Cody Gakpo deal and how Liverpool sealed it behind the scenes
Cody Gakpo has given the game away about Manchester United ahead of Liverpool deal
Robin van Persie comments on Cody Gakpo send big warning to Liverpool rivals
