Liverpool has pulled off a stunning move. The Reds have worked behind the scenes quietly to quickly confirm the transfer of Cody Gakpo, who was on the wishlist of several top European clubs leading up to the winter transfer window. So swift has been the manner of business that Gakpo will be able to join the club as soon as the transfer window reopens on January 1.

The Dutch forward, who had been in great form in Qatar during the FIFA World Cup, has reportedly arrived in England to complete his medical ahead of his official move from PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie to Liverpool.

The deal between the two clubs was announced on Boxing Day and following the Premier League restart after the World Cup break. The fee agreed for Gakpo is expected to be between £35m and £45m.

A PSV statement on Monday said: “PSV and LFC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo.

“The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently, where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer.”

One of the biggest ramifications of Liverpool’s acquisition of Gakpo is that rivals Manchester United have been left in the dust and empty-handed. United had taken a serious interest in the Dutch forward and wanted to bring him to Old Trafford this summer before deciding to pursue Antony from Ajax instead.

Reports also suggest that Erik ten Hag was a big admirer of the player and wanted the Red Devils to sign him during the upcoming winter transfer window in order to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been sacked from his contract.

“We are aware we lost a striker, so I think we have to get a striker in, but it has to be the right one,” admitted Ten Hag recently.

Southampton also had an offer for Gakpo rejected in the summer while Leeds United was also interested in the player but failed to keep up with economic demands.

Gakpo’s stocks have seen a meteoric rise during the World Cup where he scored three goals for the Netherlands in five appearances. His arrival comes at the perfect time for the Reds who will miss the services of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota due to long-term injuries. It will also pile the pressure on the misfiring Darwin Nunez to perform better.