Manchester United have set their sights on an “incredible” Eredivisie double swoop this summer, with PSV’s Cody Gakpo and Ajax’s Antony priority targets for them according to Fabrizio Romano.
Erik Ten Hag Shopping for Priority Eredivisie Double Swoop to Reinforce Depleted Manchester United Squad
Manchester United are discussing Cody Gakpo internally, he’d love PL move – while talks are still ongoing with Adrien Rabiot’s camp. €17m fee already agreed with Juventus. 🔴 #MUFC
Gakpo’s one of the names in the list alongside priority target Antony – no official bid yet. pic.twitter.com/LdAZaRoLAJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2022
The Manager Has Shown Desire to Buy Two Forwards in Eredivisie Double Swoop – Bid Is Yet to Come
United are looking to bolster their squad after a disappointing start to the Premier League 2022/2023 campaign, when they lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag is keen to complete a double signing from the Dutch top flight and has eyed Gakpo and Antony as his targets before the window closes, with both able to come in and have a large impact on the Red Devils’ frontline.
Read more: Chelsea Set to Beat Manchester United to Sought-After ‘World Class’ Star This Summer
United Facing Premier League Competition – Cody Gakpo Wants the Move
According to Fabrizio Romano: “Manchester United are discussing Cody Gakpo internally, he’d love a Premier League move…”
“Gakpo is one of the names in the list alongside priority target Antony – no official bid yet.” Being alongside Antony on this list shows how seriously the Red Devils are considering a move for Gakpo.
Gakpo is becoming one of the most sought-after talents across Europe this summer, with United and Leeds United more recently adding their names to the list of those interested.
With the forward’s sights set on a move to England, United will need to table a bid soon if they want to secure his signature before the window closes in September.
An element which may swing the deal in the Manchester side’s favour is that Gakpo is currently playing under a United legend; former striker and prolific goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy. His side have valued their star at no less than £35million.
Cody Gakpo Is Showing Why He’s One of the Finest up and Coming Talents in Europe
Last season in the Eredivisie, Gakpo hit double figures for both goals and assists; scoring 12 and assisting 13 goals – his most successful season yet. Consequently, the youngster was awarded Dutch Footballer of the Year. He won the KNVB Cup and scored in the final of the Johan Cruyff Shield on Saturday, July 30.
The 23-year-old also began the new season in the same fine form, having already netted twice in PSV’s opening fixture. He has also represented his national side Netherlands in their World Cup qualifiers and Euro 2020 campaign.
Old Flame to Reunite With Former Coach at Old Trafford?
Antony played under Ten Hag during his reign at Ajax and when United announced the appointment of their new Head Coach, Ten Hag’s former players came together to bid farewell to their manager via the club’s social media pages.
Antony said: “I want to thank you for everything you taught me. Know that I will always stand with you if you need me.”
Erik, you've been important #ForTheFuture of a lot of players. And they want to say thank you. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ehQS3QnzqC
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 16, 2022
In the Dutchman’s final season in charge of the club, he was able to bring the best form out of the Brazilian winger; Antony scored 12 goals and contributed 10 assists across all competitions, and Ajax were ultimately crowned Eredivisie champions for the third consecutive season.
He picked up the Eredivisie Talent of the Month award in December 2021 and officials from Amsterdam have valued their player at £84 million.
Read more: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
Ten Hag will be keen to bring in a skilful, versatile and passionate player to the dressing room – as the 22-year-old has shown his willingness to fight for the badge whenever he is on the pitch. A key factor in signing the forward from a United standpoint is the fact he is already used to playing in Ten Hag’s system.
