Liverpool boss Klopp speaks out on Cody Gakpo debut and rest of January transfer plans | Football | Sport

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed plans for Cody Gakpo’s debut after his £37million move ahead of the January transfer window. The Reds boss also addressed whether he will be delving into the market again next month as the fight for a top-four finish and Champions League glory continues.

Klopp has revealed that due to paperwork, Gakpo is unlikely to feature in Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League games against Leicester City and Brentford.

However, he is eyeing the FA Cup third-round clash with Wolves at Anfield on January 7 for the Dutchman to don the famous red shirt on the pitch for the first time.

He told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “We are obviously very early [to act in the transfer market], which is good.

“There might be a chance for Brentford, but not really, because January 1 is a bank holiday, and then all the papers will have to be signed on January 2 before 12pm [to feature against Brentford].

“I’m not too positive that will happen, but we won’t rush it anyway. So, probably Wolves [for his debut].”

Klopp was naturally asked whether he was planning further activity next month as he looks to bolster Liverpool’s bid for domestic and European success after a slow start to the season.

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But the German unsurprisingly remained coy on the Merseyside giants’ plans, echoing assistant Pep Lijnders’ comments earlier this month.

“I like very much what Lijnders said – we discuss these things in the board room and not the press room,” Klopp added.

“To bring in Cody the way we did is a really good sign. Quite a few people knew about it, and nothing came out, which is very, very helpful.

“So you really cannot expect me to answer the question [about transfers in January].”

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Liverpool are also thought to be eyeing a marquee midfield signing, but that is likely a novelty that will have to wait until the summer after sanctioning the big-money move for Gakpo.

Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez are at the forefront of links, with the Reds also admirers of Declan Rice ahead of his high-profile West Ham United exit.

Supporters will be itching to see Gakpo in action after his prolific start to the Eredivisie campaign and impressive World Cup antics.

And after Klopp’s admission, the countdown to January 7 has commenced.

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