PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo has confirmed that he was close to joining Manchester United in the summer, but the move fell through in the end.
Speaking to The Times, Cody revealed that he spoke to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag regarding a move. And the 23-year-old Dutchman added that he is disappointed that the transfer did not materialise eventually.
Gakpo is highly rated across Europe, and he had an exceptional 2021/22 season with PSV Eindhoven. The left-sided winger scored 21 goals across all competitions for the Dutch outfit and had 15 assists to his name as well.
The player has been in red-hot form this season as well, with 13 goals across all competitions. And it appears that Manchester United were keen on improving their attacking department with the signing of the 23-year-old. Eventually the transfer did not go through, and the Red Devils moved on to sign Antony from Ajax.
Gakpo believes that a move to Old Trafford would have been beneficial to his development, and it would have been a boost for PSV Eindhoven as well financially.
It is no secret that Manchester United need to reinforce their attacking department especially at the end of the ongoing season. Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way out of the club, and Gakpo can be a superb acquisition for the Red Devils.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United are willing to return for the Dutch winger at the end of the season. But recent reports have claimed that the Red Devils retain an interest in him.
The player was linked with Leeds United and Southampton as well, and Gakpo has revealed that he had the option to join either club in the summer. However, he chose to stay put, and his decision has been a major positive for PSV Eindhoven. The 23-year-old is in fine form right now will hope to finish the season strongly and secure a big move next summer.
“I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United. In the end, the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club,” Gakpo told The Times.
Erik ten Hag has a history of developing talented young players, proving that superbly during his time at Ajax. He could help Gakpo fulfil his tremendous potential and develop into world-class player at Manchester United if the transfer goes through in future.
