Ex-Newcastle United midfielder Dietmar Hamann makes Joelinton comparison as Liverpool close on World Cup star

The Magpies were one of several clubs linked with a move for the Dutch star.
By Mark Carruthers
Published 28th Dec 2022, 13:45 GMT
Updated 28th Dec 2022, 16:00 GMT
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Former Newcastle United midfielder Dietmar Hamann has compared immiment Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo to Magpies star Joelinton.

The former German international - who represented both clubs during his time in the Premier League - has routinely suggested the Reds make a move for the United midfielder after he played a key role in the remarkable turnaround in fortunes at St James Park over the last 12 months.

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The former Hoffenheim forward has been successfully transitioned into an all-action midfielder and has become one of the most consistent performers in Eddie Howe’s side. There were some suggestions that Joelinton was under consideration for a place in Brazil’s World Cup Finals squad - although his name was absent from the final selection in November.

However, one player that did star in Qatar is set to join the Brazilian in the Premier League after Liverpool agreed a fee to sign Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo from Eredivise club PSV Eindhoven. The 23-year-old scored three goals as Louis van Gaal’s side reached the quarter-finals of the competition and was the subject of interest from a number of clubs around Europe.

SLIPPED THE NET: Summer Leeds United target Cody Gakpo who is now leaving PSV Eindhoven for Liverpool. Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images.SLIPPED THE NET: Summer Leeds United target Cody Gakpo who is now leaving PSV Eindhoven for Liverpool. Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images.
SLIPPED THE NET: Summer Leeds United target Cody Gakpo who is now leaving PSV Eindhoven for Liverpool. Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images.

Liverpool now look set to win the race for his services and Hamann believes his former club will add something they have been missing in recent months. He told talkSPORT: “They have needed a player like him for the last few years. I don’t think they have enough of a goal threat from midfield. They are always a threat from set-pieces and that will be strengthened with his size and physicality. And in midfield, at times I feel they lack a bit of physicality.

“They don’t have a player who has the physicality that he has got. I always look at Joelinton as a player in the mould Liverpool needed because he can drive from midfield, he can head the ball, very good technically, and he has got a bit of pace about him as well. He is a great addition and I hope we see a lot of him in the next few weeks and months.”

Related topics:JoelintonLiverpoolPremier League