Liverpool did some important internal house-keeping on Saturday when they came to an agreement with Dutch forward Cody Gakpo on a new long-term deal for him to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future.
In a summer that has seen more departures than arrivals, it's a nice change of course for the club to tiedown one of their key contributors over the last few seasons.
Gakpo has been in fine form in the early season with a goal and two assists as he has filled the Luis Diaz void exceptionally well to this point.
Best still to come
Gakpo, 26, is just now entering the prime of his career and this new extension means we will see those years being played out in Liverpool red.
He has made 131 appearances in all competitions since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in Janurary 2023, following his exploits at the Qatar World Cup for the Netherlands.
The Dutchman has provided 42 goals along with 16 assists thus far in his Reds' career, but is coming off arguably his best season so far in 2024/25.
Gakpo netted 18 times in all comps while also creating a further 7 goals. He was a key cog in Arne Slot's side pushing their way to a 20th league title. Slot has given him his role on the left to cut in with intent and the results have been clear for all to see.
As the Liverpool attack continues to evolve following the departures of Diaz, Darwin Nunez and tragically, Diogo Jota, Gakpo has been instrumental in the new era attack.
He's linked up well with red-hot new signing Hugo Ekitike and were Alexander Isak to join the ranks as well, their games would complement each other very well.
What did he say?
There is a very real mutual respect between the club and player in this situation as Gakpo was clear in his love of Merseyside when speaking to the official Liverpool website.
""I feel at home, my family feels at home and that’s also a big decision always. They feel good. I’m very happy at the club, a good group, good teammates, so the life around the football itself is very good and I enjoy every moment of it. I’m very grateful that I can extend.""Cody Gakpo via Liverpoolfc.com
That is the special connection a player can achieve at this club and I'm happy to hear that Cody has gotten to that point in such a short amount of time.
He is a key piece of an ever-growing Dutch contingent at Liverpool that includes captain Virgil van Dijk, defensive midfield extraordinaire Ryan Gravenberch, TAA replacement Jeremie Frimpong and of course, Arne Slot, the boss man.
We've discussed before that this could be a true breakout season for Gakpo and the early signs are good in that regard.
With his future at the club now secure as well, he can focus on the football and maximizing his Reds career. 2025/26 could be the the start of a truly fun ride for our No. 18.