Recent reports from The Telegraph state that Manchester United are keen on signing PSV star Cody Gakpo in the upcoming transfer window as Erik ten Hag looks set to add to his attacking options.
The report further states that the Red Devils are ready to offer a transfer fee in the region of £43.1 million as soon as the January transfer window reopens to test the waters. However, the Dutch club are expected to hold out for an even higher fee given his impressive run of performances at the World Cup.
In an interview with Dutch outlet NRC, he admitted: “I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I didn’t know anymore. And I started to doubt.”
“Leeds United did come. Should I go there? Now I wait everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these.”
If the deal goes through, the sale would yield a record fee for PSV which currently stands at the £36 million gained from Hirving Lozano’s transfer to Napoli in 2019.
The Right Fit For Ten Hag?
Having come through the ranks at PSV Eindhoven itself, Cody Gakpo made his debut for the senior team as an injury-time substitute in a 3-1 victory over Feyenoord on 25 February 2018. His performances improved steadily with each game; however, he broke into the scene in the 2019-20 season with fourteen goal contributions in 25 appearances.
Even this season, he has managed to put up impressive numbers on the board – averaging 3.6 shots, 4.2 key passes, 1.9 dribbles, and 3.7 crosses per ninety minutes in the Dutch top flight. Besides, with an average WhoScored rating of 8.50, he has been one of the best players on his team so far this term. Although Gakpo is primarily a left-winger, his versatility allows him to slot in as a striker or as a right-winger in the hour of need.
Manchester United are in dire need of reinforcements in the attacking department – and Cody Gakpo fits the bill perfectly. Aged 23, he has plenty of experience under his belt and Erik ten Hag is already familiar with him from their time in the Eredivisie together. Hence, the board should go all out for his signature in the upcoming transfer window.
(Stats from WhoScored)
