Why Man Utd allowed Liverpool to sign Cody Gakpo

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 27 Dec 2022 19:02 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United did not have a deal to sign Cody Gakpo hijacked by Liverpool, as they already opted against buying the PSV star.

That is according to respected Manchester United journalist Sam Pilger, who reports that United were keen on Gakpo in the summer and agreed personal terms with the attacker in August.

However, ultimately, United opted against pursuing the deal further ahead of the January transfer window because they didn’t believe there was a position for him in the team.

PROFILE: Who is Cody Gakpo?

It was deemed that Gakpo plays in a position where United already have lots of options in the form of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho.

United’s focus is on signing a natural number nine to replace Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal legend had his contract rescinded in November.

There never was any real intention to buy another winger or support attacker.

It was revealed on Monday that PSV and Liverpool have reached an agreement on the transfer of Gakpo to Anfield. The Eindhoven club confirmed the upcoming transfer on Monday evening via official channels.

"This is a record transfer for PSV," general manager Marcel Brands confirmed.

The 23-year-old attacker immediately leaves for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer. It is reported it will be a six-year contract.

There has been no confirmation of a transfer fee, but it is expected to be in the region of €57 million, including bonus payments. It has been reported Liverpool will pay €42m up front.

Cody Gakpo's impressive 2022-23

Gakpo has 13 goals and 17 assists for PSV in all competitions this season, having played in just 24 matches.

He also impressed massively at the 2022 World Cup where he scored three goals and was his team’s key player as they reached the quarter finals where they lost on penalties to eventual winners Argentina.