Why Rafael Leao can't be Man Utd's backup Gakpo option

Suraj Radia

• 5 Dec 2022 16:11 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United are believed to be considering other options to Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch forward’s price tag doubling after his World Cup heroics.

Gakpo has been a long-term target for United and PSV were willing to sell him for just £25 million in the summer, however Erik ten Hag opted to sign Antony from Ajax instead.

PSV are now likely to demand in excess of £50m for Gakpo in January following his form in Qatar, which has seen him net three times to guide the Netherlands to a quarter-final tie against Argentina.

With United set to face plenty of competition for Gakpo’s signature and his price continuing to rise, the club have looked at alternatives, with one reportedly being AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.

Milan are open to selling Leao after the 23-year-old stalled on extending his deal with the Italian side, which is set to expire in 2024.

NEW DEAL: Leao responds to Milan contract talks

United are keen to bolster their attacking options after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial as their only recognised senior strikers.

Leao is the answer, not the question

Gakpo has been prolific for PSV this season, grabbing 12 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, and appears to have elevated his game since being passed up by United in the summer.

However, United will naturally have their doubts over whether goalscoring form can easily translate from the Eredivisie to the Premier League, having seen Memphis Depay previously make a similar move that ultimately didn’t work out.

NOT THEM!: Van Dijk warns Gakpo over United move

In that regard, Leao’s performances for Milan may give United more confidence that he can make the step up to English football, even if his output has been slightly lower than Gakpo’s at seven goals and six assists.

But if Gakpo’s price tag is proving to be a stumbling block for United after they spent more than £200m in the summer, Leao will not be any cheaper despite his contractual situation.

The Portuguese international had been linked with a £100m move to Chelsea in the summer and Milan will likely still hold out for a fee in that region, particularly if they were forced to sell mid-season.

There is a question as to whether either of Leao or Gakpo is suitable for United, given the form of Rashford in Qatar, with all three players preferring to play on the left-wing instead of up front.

However, Leao is not a realistic alternative to Gakpo and the Milan star should be thought of as a marquee signing or not be considered as an option for United at all.