Erik ten Hag has reportedly received the green light from the Manchester United board in signing PSV and the Netherlands attacker Cody Gakpo for a deal believed to be around £45 million.
According to 90min, Manchester United’s board have apparently given the go-ahead to start working on a deal to sign £45 million-rated, in-demand Dutch star Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in the upcoming January transfer window. Manager Erik ten Hag is eager to bring the 23-year-old to Old Trafford, and the United hierarchy are willing to do whatever it takes to back their manager.
These Cody Gakpo to Manchester United transfer rumours feel like they have been going on for ages, and they have, at least, since the last summer. But, if the above report is accurate, Manchester United may finally be able to put this saga to rest.
The Dutchman was a target for the Red Devils during the last summer and there was contact made between both clubs. However, the Mancunian giants ended up blowing up all of their transfer war chest by signing Antony from Ajax for €100 million, with the Brazilian being Ten Hag’s preferred option.
Following an impressive spell in front of goal for club and country over the last 18 months or so, the 23-year-old Netherlands international is now back on the club’s high-priority list as their hunt for a new striker continues.
The Red Devils parted ways with legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo in turbulent fashion before the World Cup, as the two parties decided to mutually terminate his contract after the 37-year-old’s controversial tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
Gakpo was one of the standout stars at the World Cup, scoring three goals in five matches as his country made it to the quarterfinals. And as the Dutchman continued to find the net in Qatar, reports linked the youngster to the world’s biggest football institution, Real Madrid.
That impressive form came on the back of an electric start to the season with PSV, where Gakpo bagged 13 goals and 17 assists in his first 24 appearances in all competitions. He also had a productive campaign last season, firing 21 goals and 15 assists in 47 appearances for the Dutch outfit across all boards.
The Red Devils also face competition from Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle, but they hold a secret weapon that will provide them an edge in the Gakpo transfer race, and that is Ten Hag’s close relationship with Gakpo.
The Dutch manager reportedly happens to share a healthy relationship with Gakpo and his family, having coached him when he was handling the PSV academy some ten years ago. Ten Hag sees him as a perfect replacement for Ronaldo and is, in fact, pushing United to press ahead with a move for the 23-year-old versatile attacker.
It comes as no surprise that PSV have raised their asking price for Gakpo following his goal-scoring exploits at the World Cup. He was valued at around the £30-35 million mark last summer when Leeds United looked to be closing in on his signature.
The Eredivisie outfit have now upped his valuation to £45 million after the World Cup, as per 90min. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will match the required fee to get Ten Hag his man next month.
