Jurgen Klopp is delighted with the signing of Cody Gakpo (Image: GETTY)
Jurgen Klopp is clearly delighted with the signing of Cody Gakpo, but there may be a tinge of disappointment for the Liverpool boss in the long run. The Reds weren't initially mentioned as a club in the running to sign Gakpo until Christmas and things were quickly wrapped up by the Reds on Boxing Day.
It's been reported that Luis Diaz's latest injury setback, coupled with Diogo Jota's long-term absence pushed Liverpool into making their move now. Gakpo had been on the radar of the Reds, but Manchester United were seen as the frontrunners for his signature.
However, Liverpool were able to move swiftly in negotiations once it became clear that they wanted to get the deal done. His move is now official with Liverpool announcing on Wednesday night that the 23-year-old has joined on a long-term contract.
Klopp was full of praise for the club for the way they were able to get the deal over the line. And the Liverpool boss even singled out sporting director Julian Ward for his role in getting the transfer done.
Cody Gakpo may be Julian Ward's last signing (Image: GETTY)
“It really is great news for us that we have been able to do it and I have to say it has been a fantastic job by everyone involved, especially Julian," Klopp told Liverpool's official website. Ward has enjoyed great success as Liverpool's sporting director since taking the position from Michael Edwards.
He was largely responsible for the deal that saw Liverpool sign Luis Diaz less than 12 months ago while he also led negotiations for Mohamed Salah's contract extension as well as Darwin Nunez's transfer this past summer. But the deal for Gakpo could well be Ward's last transfer as Liverpool's sporting director.
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Klopp will have a new man in charge this summer with Ward announcing earlier this season that he plans to step down after little more than a year in the role. The Liverpool boss has always spoken highly of Ward and Edwards respectively and he's had a close relationship with the pair of them.
Klopp admitted earlier this month that he was taken by "surprised" when he was made aware of Ward's plans to step down. Liverpool had hired both Edwards and Ward as in-house appointments, but they're set to change that this summer.
It's been reported that the club will look to appoint someone not associated with Liverpool as Ward's successor. Sven Mislintat has been linked to the role, but no final decision has been made.
