Cody Gakpo opens up on latest Manchester United rumours

Cody Gakpo has revealed the latest update on any potential transfer to Manchester United this January, admitting he is open to thinking about a move to the club in January.

It was well-established in the summer that Gakpo was a high-value target for Erik ten Hag’s new squad, with the winger impressing in the Dutch league with PSV last season. This season, under former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Gakpo has impressed even further, scoring 13 and assisting 17 goals in just 24 matches this season.

He has also equally impressed at the 2022 World Cup, scoring 3 goals in 4 appearances so far for the Netherlands.

With Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract having been terminated at the end of November, Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in fresh blood to boost his attacking line and give United an extra edge in attack, with Gakpo heavily linked as the man to replace the Portuguese superstar this winter.

Gakpo admitted in October that he was very close to signing for United in the summer, but ultimately deal fell apart. Speaking to Tom Allnutt, Gakpo said: “I was close to leaving [in the summer], 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 has been questioned about his future on multiple occasions so far this World Cup, and he has been very honest in his responses.

Speaking in a press conference last week, he said about his future: “Right now I’m busy with the Dutch team. I’ll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible.”

And now he has revealed that although he is yet to hear from Manchester United about a potential January move, he is waiting for contact and will think about it if the time comes. “I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet,” he told Dutch outlet NRC. “If they come, I will think about it. In these decisions too, I seek God’s help. I ask Him what I can do best.”

Gakpo also had interest from Premier League side Leeds United, and had the chance to move to the club in white, however decided against the move and stayed at PSV.

“I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember and started to doubt,” he continued. “Leeds United did come. Should I go there? Now I wait.”

With Cristiano Ronaldo out and Manchester United starting to lack forward options, Cody Gakpo could be the brilliant solution Erik ten Hag needs to fix his attacking problems, and with PSV expected to demand a fee of potentially €60 million, it could be another high-spending window for the club.