In a recent tweet, renowned journalist David Ornstein claimed that Leeds United are unlikely to move in for PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo. It has been mentioned that the Whites are not likely to land the Dutch wide player next year.
🚨 Tottenham talking to Google over stadium naming rights
🚨 Gakpo to Leeds currently unlikely
🚨 Arsenal yet to start talks over new Patino contract – 2023 + 2yr option that expires in coming months
🚨 Freedman signs new Palace deal
➕ More @TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/LKby9lAUVp— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) October 10, 2022
Gakpo’s Impressive Form At The Philips Stadium
Gakpo is having a brilliant campaign in Dutch football as he has produced a lot of impressive displays on the left side of PSV’s attack. The 23-year-old has found the back of the net on 13 occasions and picked up ten assists in 16 appearances for his current employers this season across various competitions.
The promising wide player has given a good account of himself in the final third based on his average of 3.9 shots, 4.0 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 77.7% in the top tier of Dutch football (stats via whoscored).
Gakpo’s current contract at PSV Eindhoven is set to expire in the summer of 2026. Hence, he might be too expensive for the Whites to pursue in January or at the end of this campaign.
Should Leeds United Boss Jesse Marsch Change His Stance On Gakpo?
Gakpo can create a yard of space for himself to get a few shots in on-target and can complete a few dangerous dribbles with the ball on the attacking end of the field. He has got the vision to cut open the opponent’s defence with a killer pass up top. Gakpo is primarily a left-sided wide player but can even fill in as a right-winger or play as a centre-forward if needed.
The Dutch sensation can even link up play well with others around him in the final third. Hence, he would have been a massive acquisition for the Whites next year.
At 23, Gakpo has got his best years ahead of him and will only get better with each season. Therefore, Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch should change his stance on recruiting the Dutch attacker as he will bring some much-needed firepower to Elland Road.
Plus, Gakpo has what it takes to help the Whites challenge across all fronts in the coming years. However, there are some concerns over whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League as he might struggle to cope with the physical nature and high intensity of English football.
