Liverpool completed £35m swoop and signed Champions League hero after World Cup success
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Liverpool have a history of signing players after the World Cup after recruiting several stars in the wakes of summer tournaments who went on to achieve wondersThe World Cup regularly sees its biggest stars secure high-profile transfers once the dust settles and Liverpool have previously capitalised on standout performers. Gakpo continues to be one of his country's most prominent performers and is starting for De Oranje once more at this year's tournament.Xherdan Shaqiri - World Cup 2018Four years prior to Gakpo's arrival, Xherdan Shaqiri, who had just suffered relegation with Stoke City, impressed his way onto Liverpool's shortlist.Shaqiri was indispensable for a Switzerland team that exited in the round of 16 and his strike to clinch victory against Serbia became iconic.
While his time at Anfield wasn't revolutionary, he proved an excellent squad option, never grumbled about limited game time and even netted twice against Manchester United.Divock Origi - World Cup 2014Speaking of cult heroes, one of the most adored forwards among many fans arrived at the club following an outstanding World Cup showing. Divock Origi captivated audiences with his displays for Belgium at World Cup 2014.At 19, he effectively displaced Romelu Lukaku in Belgium's starting line-up and netted a dramatic winner against Russia in the group phase.
In the years ahead, he would cement himself in the affections of fans, netting that iconic strike against Barcelona and wrapping up the Champions League final in 2019.El Hadji Diouf - World Cup 2002Not all of Liverpool's post-World Cup additions proved successful, though. World Cup 2002 delivered a fairytale outcome for Senegal, as they defeated France in the opening match and progressed all the way to the quarter-finals.Young El Hadji Diouf was the standout performer with his direct running and he was even included in that year's World Cup All-Star team.