Premier League rivals Liverpool have joined Manchester United in the race to sign PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, according to Mundo Deportivo (today’s edition, page 20).
The Netherlands international has been in sensational form this season. He has netted 13 goals and provided 17 assists from just 24 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit.
For the Dutch, he has been a stand-out player at the World Cup, scoring in each of their three group stage matches. The 23-year-old is currently one of the joint top-scorers.
In a report today, Mundo Deportivo question whether the Red Devils made the right choice to sign Antony from Ajax for €95 million when Gakpo was available for a summer transfer.
It is added that Gakpo’s performances in Qatar have ‘set off alarms in the Old Trafford offices’ as they are fearful of losing another of their main targets to one of the European rivals.
Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been mentioned as candidates to sign Gakpo.
United must secure Gakpo’s services in January
The Glazers recently confirmed that they are exploring ‘strategic alternatives‘ for the club which include a possible sale. However, a change of ownership won’t happen in the near future.
The Glazers need to be convinced by the proposal on the table while United also require the right owner/consortium to take them forward. It could take another five to six months.
In our view, this should not hamper the club’s transfer plans for January. The Glazers may be parting ways soon, but they must back manager Erik ten Hag again in the transfer market.
The club are currently lying just three points adrift of the final Champions League spot in the Premier league with a game in hand. Gakpo’s arrival could guarantee them a top-four finish.
This would be a win-win situation for the Glazers. United’s return to the Champions League could attract more investors while the owners could also get an offer close to their expectations.
Gakpo has shown that he has world-class potential. Ten Hag wanted to sign him in the summer and he is reportedly prioritising his signature for January. It appears a no-brainer decision.
The Dutchman will come at a premium price of €50 million, and his value may only increase in the summer. United can’t wait that long as Liverpool could attempt to sign him this winter.
Earlier this season, Gakpo said that he was expecting to join Red Devils. This could give the club an upper hand in signing him over their arch-rivals during the January transfer window.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
