Jurgen Klopp explains Liverpool’s thought process behind signing Cody Gakpo

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has discussed the reasoning behind the club’s decision to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven – saying they don’t consider him a finished article just yet.

Gakpo, 23, was signed from PSV for £44million earlier this week, with the Dutchman making his first public debut at Anfield on Friday night.

Speaking on Sky Sports about his signing ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Leicester, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville agreed that it was a necessary purchase – but that Liverpool fans shouldn’t expect a fully polished player from the start.

Jurgen Klopp discussed what they hope to gain from Cody Gakpo’s signing for the Liverpool squad

Klopp echoed the two pundits’ assessments, agreeing as he hinted Gakpo has been signed for both his short-term benefits and what he brings to the club over the longer term.

We’ve been impressed with him for a while,” said Klopp. “You know our situation – we have to raise money and then spend it, we can spend it.”

“He’s a very interesting player – he was well respected when he came through PSV youth academy.

Klopp explained that they know he’s not the finished product yet but evidence from previous attacking commitments suggests he should develop

“We think it’s the right moment to get him. He’s still young – what he offers is incredibly interesting in the short and long term due to his versatility.

“He has a good nose for finishing situations, he’s fast, he’s a good dribbler. It’s not quite ready yet, but usually the players develop well here.’

Carragher had said of the Dutchman’s arrival: “It’s needed now. Luis Diaz’s injury was a big problem.

If you look at Liverpool’s bench for attacking options, it’s not great. I don’t think Jota is coming back any time soon, Diaz has to be out for two or three months. I think it’s a great signing – I thought it was actually a bit more expensive.

“It’s a really good deal for Liverpool. I think he will fight Diaz for a position, one of them could switch or if push comes to shove they could sell one of them in 18 months.

The Dutchman was at Anfield for the first time as a Liverpool player on Friday night to watch his new team-mates