Ten Hag unhappy at Man Utd losing Gakpo to Liverpool

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is unhappy about the club missing out on the signing of Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.

According to ESPN, Ten Hag has told the club’s bosses that he is frustrated that Man Utd weren’t able to bring the PSV attacker in ahead of the January transfer window.

Gakpo was one of Manchester United's main targets during the summer of 2022, and the English giants even agreed personal terms with the player in August.

PROFILE: Who is Cody Gakpo?

However, United couldn’t get a deal over the line with PSV and they were forced to wait until the January transfer window to seemingly complete the transfer.

It seemed a formality with many experts that United would sign Gakpo in January 2023, but Liverpool jumped in to hijack the deal on Boxing Day.

Liverpool closed a deal with PSV that could reach €57m, while Gakpo agreed a six-year contract.

The ESPN report adds that Ten Hag does understand, though, that the money is not available to match Liverpool’s bid for Gakpo.

It also says that Ten Hag is hopeful a striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo will be brought in during January.

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.

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 stats for an 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.