Manchester United will reportedly have to shell out a sum of €40 million if they wish to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Manchester United are working on a deal to try and sign PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, with the Eredivisie giants willing to let him go for €40 million.
A product of the PSV Eindhoven youth academy, Gakpo has been a top performer for the Dutch outfit since breaking into the first-team setup a few years ago. To date, the 23-year-old has made 137 appearances in all competitions, bagging 43 goals and 35 assists. He enjoyed a prolific campaign last time out, finishing with 21 goals and 15 assists and has already been involved in three goals in three games this term.
Gakpo’s form for PSV over the past year has attracted strong interest from clubs in the Premier League. Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Netherlands international in the past, while Leeds United have also shown an interest in the 23-year-old.
Now, Manchester United have also entered the fray to sign Gakpo as their move for AFC Ajax winger Antony seems set to fall through. New manager Erik ten Hag has been keen on reuniting with the Brazilian winger at Old Trafford, but the Dutch giants are reluctant to sell him and are pricing the Red Devils out of a move.
?? #MUFC are working on Cody #Gakpo. Erik #TenHag really likes him and asked for him as a reinforcement on the left wing.
?️ #PSV would accept €40M. The #ManUTD coach and the ?? player are both from SEG Football agency: an agreement could be reached easier. ?⚽ @WTransfers7 pic.twitter.com/uYWy8lrD27
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) August 6, 2022
Hence, Manchester United have turned their attention towards Gakpo, with ten Hag very well aware of the 23-year-old’s quality and potential. Primarily a left-winger, the 23-year-old can also play on the right or through the middle and would add more depth and bite to the Manchester United frontline that looked toothless in their Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Gakpo signed a new contract with PSV Eindhoven in January earlier this year, extending his stay at the Dutch outfit until the summer of 2026. However, according to the update from Rudy Galetti, they would consider letting the 23-year-old leave this summer should an offer of around €40 million comes along.
Considering the up-and-down form of Marcus Rashford, adding another left winger who can score and create goals in equal measures could work out well for Manchester United. And the €40 million price tag should not be an issue for the 20-time English champions.
But signing an out-and-out centre-forward should be a top priority for ten Hag currently amidst Anthony Martial’s injury ordeals and Cristiano Ronaldo’s uncertain future.