Gakpo and United separated by 12 million euros
PSV are holding out for their 58 million euro asking price for the 23-year-old - a figure which is just beyond Manchester United’s budget.
Cody Gakpo is being hailed as one of the sensations at the World Cup. The Netherlands striker has scored three goals in the three group stage matches - goals added to the 13 he has scored so far this season for PSV, which has put him in the spotlight for several of the great European clubs. Among them are Manchester United, who were linked to the 23-year-old last summer.
You might also like
In England, the Daily Mail reports that United have revived their interest in signing Gakpo and hope to bring him to Old Trafford during next month’s transfer window. The problem would be the 10 million pounds (11.6 million euros with the current currency exchange rate) difference between what United are prepared to offer and PSV’s asking price - almost 58 million euros. United don’t want to go beyond 46 million.
United contact
Back in October, the player spoke to The Times about United’s interest: “I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag several times about Manchester United. In the end the deal was not finalized, which was a shame, for me and for my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV, because transferring a player to Manchester United is a good business move for the club. It all ended a week before the transfer period ended, and in that week I had to decide if I was going to Leeds or Southampton. In the end I stayed, but it was a stressful period.”
A few weeks later, he recalled the situation again, this time to NRC: “It was a tough period. I have learned from it. I’m going to do it another way. What happens, happens. Suppose you want to go from RKC (Waalwijk) to PSV, but that club doesn’t come. You can panic... I thought about Manchester United, but when it didn’t happen, I put it to the back of mind. And I also began to doubt. Leeds United came. Should I go there? I am expect something to happen but I still have no news from Manchester United. If they come for me again, I’ll think about it. I also seek God’s help in these decisions.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure leaves a gap in United’s frontline for United - one which Gakpo can fill. And the young Dutch forward has lready shown that he is up to the task with 55 goals and 50 assists in his 159 games for PSV.