Cody Gakpo’s performances at the World Cup have helped convince the Manchester United hierarchy that he is ready for a move to the Premier League, 90 minutes understand.
The Netherlands international has scored three times in three group stage matches in Qatar, and has been one of the tournament’s best players to date – his goals helped the Netherlands qualify for the last 16 and Aided in the conflict with the United States. this weekend.
Gakpo was wanted by Erik ten Hague in the summer transfer window, although United held off on a deal after spending big on the likes of Casemiro, Lesandro Martinez and Anthony.
Den Haag is still pushing for United to sign him – particularly after the mutual termination of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract – and Gekpo had hoped for another possible arrival for the club’s decision-makers at the World Cup. Can give the impression of further backtracking on your decision. United are understood to have liked what they have seen of the PSV Eindhoven forward so far.
With Ronaldo gone, United are lighter in the attacking department than they were at the start of the season, and were already struggling in that area due to Anthony Martial’s injury struggles. Gakpo is a versatile forward who can move into several positions – a quality that appeals to Ten Hague.
A problem for United is that they stand to pay €10m-€15m more in the summer given the 23-year-old’s performances so far this season, although he is understood to be moving normally in the transfer. have been. Market even though the club is sold. United still want to qualify for the Champions League and Ten Hague will need strong options to do so – especially with Ronaldo’s departure.
90 Minutes revealed earlier this month that PSV are ready to let their star man depart the Philips Stadium in January. Having missed out on the Champions League group stage at the start of the campaign, they are unlikely to be able to resist big-money offers.
Gekpo was courted by the likes of Leeds and Southampton as well as United in the summer, although United turned down a move after the option fell through. Ten Hague is pushing for United to complete the deal this time.
The player revealed to The Times last month that he had already spoken to Ten Hag about a possible move to Old Trafford, saying: “I was close to going. I had Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Talked to a few times.
“In the end, the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame for me and my development. Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world. But also [a shame] For PSV because moving a player to Manchester United is good for the club.
“[In the final week of the window] I had to decide whether I would go to Leeds or Southampton. Finally, I stayed. But it was a stressful period.”
Gakpo has been on fire in the Dutch Eredivisie for PSV so far this season, scoring 9 goals and 12 assists in 14 league appearances so far.