Manchester United have reportedly opened talks over a move for PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands goal-scoring phenom Cody Gakpo during the January transfer window.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United have made contact with PSV Eindhoven to land priority transfer target Cody Gakpo in January, with the Red Devils hoping to win the race for the World Cup star despite stiff competition.
The Red Devils were heavily interested in signing Gakpo in the summer window and the pursuit even went as far as agreeing personal terms. However, the club splashed the cash heavily elsewhere and elected to sign Antony instead.
United are now in a position where they are desperate to sign a new attacker in the January transfer window. With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Martial injury-prone, and Jadon Sancho unfit, manager Erik Ten Hag wants to sign a versatile forward to cover for multiple forward positions.
The Dutchman, who shares the same agency as Gakpo, is a huge fan of Gakpo as has already been reported, and the club are planning a January approach for the player. They have now initiated contact with the Dutch outfit and could land the 23-year-old for less than £50 million.
PSV are currently undergoing some financial difficulties following their failure to qualify for the group phase of the Champions League and Gakpo’s sale next month could help his side sort out the perilous situation.
Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are also alerted to Gakpo’s situation, but United are the clear frontrunners thanks to the player’s close relationship with compatriot Ten Hag, as well as having previously opened talks with PSV over a winter transfer. Personal terms shouldn’t be an issue if the transfer fee is agreed upon.
The Netherlands international has been in sparkling form for club and country in 2022. He has had a spectacular start to the season, where he registered 13 goals and 17 assists from just 24 appearances in all competitions. The PSV academy product went on to net three more times at the World Cup to help his side reach the quarter-finals.
His scintillating performances at the World Cup have further increased his value in the market. Ten Hag has put his faith in Marcus Rashford to spearhead the line, but the England international is even more menacing when he starts from the left.
While Gakpo is not a natural number nine, he possesses the physical and technical qualities of a central striker. His arrival will bolster Ten Hag’s offensive options by offering fluidity, creativity, and striking ability in the final third.
This is only talks as things stand and Manchester United still have plenty of work to do to get a deal done. Yet with Ten Hag demanding another attacking option after sending Jadon Sancho out of the country to work on his fitness, maybe we can expect to see the Red Devils get Gakpo snapped up pretty quickly.
