Gakpo transfer to Man Utd is back on

FT Desk

• 6 Nov 2022 08:19 GMT
• 3 min read

Cody Gakpo's transfer from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United fell through at the last minute in the summer, but a deal for the Netherlands goal-fiend could be back on.

Gakpo was targeted early on in the Erik ten Hag reign, with a desire to strengthen in the wide attacking positions, but the club then focused all of their efforts on Ten Hag's former Ajax winger Antony, who they paid €100 million for.

Getting that deal over the line meant they took their eye off the ball with Gakpo, who aired his disappointment publicly.

READ: Show pony Antony or Haaland-matching Gakpo: Did Man Utd back the wrong horse?

"I was close to leaving," he told the Times. "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."

Gakpo's development has appeared to be unharmed, though. He has contributed 13 goals and 16 assists from just 22 games this season at a rate of one every 61 minutes he has played - from the wing! - which has simply invited more than just United to jostle for his services.

'Areement with PSV'

The Red Devils remain at the front of the queue, however, with Italian transfer specialist Rudy Galetti reporting that a move is imminent.

READ: Revealed: Man Utd's contingency plan in case Rashford leaves

"The United management are ready to have another go at the behest of their Dutch manager," he writes. "Manchester United are about to define an agreement with PSV for the purchase of Cody Gakpo, a left winger born in 1999, whose goals and assists will be welcome with the club still having to deal with Cristiano Ronaldo."

Gakpo is currently rated at €29m by Football Transfers' in-house algorithm, and although Dutch clubs often demand above value - as was the case with Antony - they may settle for little over €30m after running into financial trouble.