PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo has confirmed that he was really close to joining Manchester United in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old even spoke to manager Erik ten Hag about a potential move but saw it fall through when the Red Devils instead signed Antony from Ajax.
Cody Gakpo Opens up on Failed Manchester United Transfer
Really enjoyed this interview with Cody Gakpo, the latest Dutch sensation at @PSV. He talked about watching clips of Henry, putting up posters of Ronaldinho, missing out on his big move to #mufc in the summer and growing up with really big feet. https://t.co/D5BVAIx2ZW
— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) October 19, 2022
Gakpo Reveals All About Summer Transfer Drama With United
The Dutch international was strongly pursued by the Red Devils as the club wanted to strengthen their squad after losing their first two Premier League games of the season. However, despite agreeing terms with the Manchester side, Gakpo ultimately saw his move to Old Trafford fall through.
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Speaking about what transpired in the summer window, he told The Times: “I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United. In the end the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV, because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club.
“It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton. In the end I stayed, but it was a stressful period.” Gakpo seemingly had interest from Leeds United and Southampton too but opted against leaving PSV – where he’s had an amazing start to the new season.
Gakpo Ranks Among Europe’s Most Prolific Players
Since seeing his move to Old Trafford fall through, the 23-year-old winger has been a man on a mission to make the Red Devils regret not signing him. He has been one of the most prolific players in Europe’s top-5 leagues, having scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists in just 18 appearances (across all competitions) this season.
Cody Gakpo is the only player on Erling Haaland's level this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/EDxmlPV7rL
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 19, 2022
He actually has more overall goal contributions (24) than Manchester City star Erling Haaland (23) – even though the Norwegian has scored more goals than him (20). Not just that, but Gakpo also has more goal contributions than the likes of Neymar (21) and Robert Lewandowski (17). Ten Hag’s side will probably be gutted not to have an efficient forward like him, as they have struggled in the goal-scoring department. They’ll hope Gakpo still considers them as a serious option, which could help them sign him next year.
