Could Cody Gakpo join Real Madrid in January?

Cody Gakpo has been one of the revelations of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. His excellent performances in the Middle East could well speed up his departure from PSV and the Eindhoven club appear to be resigned to losing him before too long. On Saturday, head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy told Dutch media outlet Voetbal International that “there comes a time when you can no longer say no. If I could choose, I’d prefer it if he left in the summer. But he could leave now.”

PSV are already bracing themselves for some big offers for Gakpo and Real Madrid know they’re going to have competition for his signature. Even before the World Cup, Gakpo was already being viewed as one of Europe’s hottest prospects. In terms of goal contributions, the attacker’s incredible numbers are on a par with Erling Haaland’s; the Dutch international won’t be short of offers this winter.

Manchester United appear to be most interested in acquiring Gakpo’s signature. They already wanted him in the summer but failed to match PSV’s asking price of €60 million ($63.57 million). According to media in England, the Red Devils will return to the table in January and will be able to increase their bid.

A matter of days ago, PSV’s Director of Football Marcel Brands stated that Gakpo’s departure would be a “transfer record” and that few clubs in the world would be able to afford to prise him away from Eindhoven. Before now, the club’s record sale was that of Hirving Lozano for €45 million ($47,68 million), a figure that Gakpo’s departure is set to smash.