Dutch national team star Cody Gakpo, who really impressed at the tournament in Qatar, has reportedly been very interested in the idea of joining United, ever since the summer when he was first linked to the club.
He’s still keen now, and it’s really just a matter of whether or not United want to meet PSV Eindhoven’s valuation for their player. Check out this report from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano:
Cody Gakpo hasn’t changed his mind on Manchester United. He was keen on joining last summer and this is still the case, discussions with his agents have always been positive. ??? #MUFC
It’s on Man United now, time to decide internally about €55/60m investment. pic.twitter.com/tsp3l4VbCH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 26, 2022
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest FYIs
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Kickoff: Tue Dec 27, 8pm GMT, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
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Ben Jacobs, of CBS Sports had a similar report, listing the potential amount in pounds (you can see the Tweet below), Although the Daily Mail says United could pay around £50m for Gakpo. The deciding factor will be whether or not United manager Erik ten Hag truly believes the forward is worth it or not.
With Cristiano Ronaldo now totally gone, the Red Devils have a void to fill in the final third.
Manchester United’s opening bid is expected to be shy of £45m. Clubs not too far apart in valuation. And this might be enough if payment terms suit PSV. Erik ten Hag sees Gakpo, along with a fullback, as a priority this January.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 26, 2022
However, Gakpo is not a striker, which is what the club need. They have wingers, but they could use another center forward.
The last time Ten Hag was asked about Cody Gakpo, in his most recent media opportunity, staged right before Christmas, this is what he said:
He just couldn’t stop smiling ?
Yeah, Cody Gakpo’s coming to Man Utd in January then.pic.twitter.com/tOGVqrM2YX
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) December 23, 2022
That does sound like they’re very interested. The January transfer window is truly ready to get really fired up now, and it all starts with the Cody Gakpo narratives.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.