Liverpool
Done deal, official – Cody Gakpo has joined Liverpool from PSV. He cost an initial £37m plus add-ons, has signed a long-term contract until 2028, and has been given the number 18 shirt.
As Gakpo also confirmed, it was really fast and unexpected. Jurgen Klopp in a meeting with the club asked to bring in a new winger after Luis Diaz injury and Gakpo was the perfect target for price, quality and ability to play with the team.
Klopp and Virgil van Dijk were both crucial for this signing. I think he will play as a winger, but he can be helpful in many positions.
Gakpo: “It was really hectic because it went really fast with Liverpool… and it was Christmas! Crazy! Everyone I know texted me. Van Dijk told me that this is the right move for me to become a better player, that LFC is a really massive club but also a real family.”
Klopp: “Gakpo, great player but also a smart guy. We have managed to sign a player who we have known about for quite some time… and who we believe will have a really bright future with us. Trust me, he has huge potential.”
As for other targets, Liverpool appreciate Enzo Fernandez but Jude Bellingham remains top of their list. They have never triggered Enzo’s release clause, despite some reports to the contrary.
Manchester City
Following his brace against Leeds last night, Erling Haaland has scored 45 goals in 42 official games in 2022, including 26 goals with Manchester City in just 20 appearances.
Pep Guardiola: “Haaland is not at his top, he can be sharper so we can do better.”
Manchester United
Manchester United are not going to invest crazy money in January. They had an agreement with Cody Gakpo, but not with PSV, they never made a bid. They were thinking internally about their budget, and of course the Glazers don’t want to spend crazy money while the club is up for sale.
PSG
It’s official: Marco Verratti has now signed a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain valid until 2026. Reminder: Verratti joined PSG in June 2012, ten years ago, for €12m fee from Pescara. He was a relatively unknown youngster at the time, but what a career he’s had!
Sevilla
Done deal, completed. Loic Bade is in Spain in order to undergo medical tests and sign for Sevilla. He’s close to joining from Rennes, and his loan to Nottingham Forest will be cancelled.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar vice director Nicolini on Arsenal-Mudryk deal: “€60m it’s not enough to sign Mudryk. Our director said that we need a bid closer to Grealish fee than Antony to sell Mudryk. We’re not even considering a bid with €40m as fixed fee.”