Jamie Carragher stunned by Liverpool capture of Cody Gakpo, as two big concerns make player ‘not a Klopp signing’

Jamie Carragher has been left baffled by the decision from Liverpool chiefs to sign Cody Gakpo, with the pundit highlighting two key problems that make him ‘not a typical Jurgen Klopp signing’.

Gakpo was heavily linked with Manchester United in the build up to the January transfer window. The left winger had become of interest to Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag after his top performances for PSV and his three Netherlands goals at the World Cup.

However, Liverpool left Man Utd shocked by racing in and reaching an agreement with PSV for Gakpo on Boxing Day. And Klopp’s side announced his switch to Anfield two days later.

Gakpo reportedly cost an initial £35million, though his transfer has the potential to be worth £45m if certain conditions are met.

Liverpool fans had high hopes for the 23-year-old due to him impressing with both PSV and the Dutch national team. But he has struggled in a Liverpool shirt so far.

Gakpo has made six appearances in all competitions but is yet to register a goal or assist. His average rating on WhoScored at the moment is just 6.62.

Carragher has analysed Liverpool’s capture of Gakpo in his latest column for The Telegraph. Liverpool’s transfer policy has been hailed in recent years, but Carragher is not so sure about their latest new recruit.

“I am baffled watching Gakpo’s early performances,” the pundit wrote. “Gakpo is not a typical Klopp signing, lacking lightning pace and the capacity to lead a high press.

Jamie Carragher suggests Cody Gakpo will turn into benchwarmer

“Why commit up to £45m on someone who will be on the bench when [Luis] Diaz and Diogo Jota are fit? Especially when another area of the team needed strengthening?”

The other position Carragher is referring to is central midfield. The area has needed improving for some time, with a lot of Klopp’s current options either injury-prone or coming towards the end of their careers.

But surprisingly, Liverpool officials neglected the midfield for another transfer window and instead opted to land an extra attacker.

It could also be argued that Liverpool should have improved Klopp’s centre-back options in the winter window. Joel Matip and Joe Gomez had to play against Wolves due to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate being out with injuries, but the duo looked shaky and not up to standard.

Signing a new centre-half in January would have potentially prevented such problems.

Carragher concerns follow Ruud van Nistelrooy dig

Carragher is not the first observer to question Gakpo’s move to Merseyside. In a recent interview, PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy explained why his former player should have gone to Man Utd instead.

“Gakpo’s dream move was Manchester United. He was in contact with Ten Hag since last August,” the former Red Devils striker said.

“I also wanted him to join United – not just because it’s my club and I love them. But also because they are better than Liverpool and offer a lot more potential to their players.”

Van Nistelrooy added that Gakpo would be scoring plenty of goals if he went to Man Utd due to their top midfield creators.

It is now up to Gakpo to turn things around and prove his doubters wrong. But if he fails to do this, then he risks becoming a benchwarmer when Diaz and Jota return to full fitness.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in a La Liga double deal has prompted a telling response from a Spanish journalist.