Manchester United are being strongly linked with a move for Cody Gakpo, with The Telegraph reporting the club are preparing a bid.
A report from The Mirror also claimed manager Erik ten Hag has been in contact with Gakpo already to sell him on a move to United. The manager and player share the same agents.
Gakpo said earlier this month he was open to a move, telling NRC: “Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet.
“When they come, I’m going to think about that. I also seek the help of God in these decisions. I ask him what I can do best.”
Here is a look at everything you need to know about the potential January signing…
Cody Gakpo club record
Cody Gakpo came through PSV Eindhoven’s academy and made his debut for the Dutch club under Philippe Cocu back in Februry 2018. He was 18 at the time.
He scored his first goal in 2019 playing under Mark van Bommel, at 19 in an Eredivisie match, after being assisted by future Dutch international colleague Steven Bergwijn. He also made his Champions League debut the same season.
The following 2019/20 season saw Gakpo begin to really make his mark, with eight goals and nine assists, while making his Netherlands under-21 debut.
In 2020/21, Gakpo scored 11 goals, continuing to play in a variety of positions, left wing, right wing, and centre forward.
Last season he took another leap forward, with a staggering 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions as PSV pushed Ajax all the way in a tight title race.
His finest moment was a goal in the KNVB Cup final as PSV defeated Erik ten Hag’s Ajax 2-1 back in April. Last season he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year.
This season Gakpo has managed to get even better. Already he has managed 13 club goals and 17 assists, and it certainly appears he needs a new challenge.
He has not allowed the transfer speculation to affect his performances negatively. Instead he has kicked on and got even better. In one game this season he created a staggering 11 chances.
Cody Gakpo international record
Gakpo made his mark at the 2022 World Cup when he scored three goals in five games to lead Netherlands to the quarter-finals. He has six international goals in 14 appearances.
He stuck seven goals in 13 games at under-21 level, and four in five for the under-20s.
Cody Gakpo: Profile
- Full name: Cody Mathes Gakpo
- Age: 23
- Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Date of birth: 7th May 1999
- Place of birth: Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Citizenship: Netherlands and Togo
- Position: Forward
- Club: PSV Eindhoven
Cody Gakpo: What they say
Bert van Marwijk told De Telegraaf: “I would like to have Gakpo on my team as a coach. Many creative players are lazy players by nature. Gakpo is less spectacular than Antony and therefore Antony’s market value is higher. But he will always be an ideal team player. That’s why you can ask yourself who would have the most value for Manchester United right now.”
Joe Cole told ITV’s coverage during the World Cup: “Really exciting talent, one I earmarked at the start of the tournament that might do well. Can dribble, good movement off the ball.”
Wesley Sneijder told De Telegraaf: “With his speed and dribbling ability, the English Premier League, where there is a lot of space, suits him best.”
(@codymathesgakpo)Cody Gakpo potential squad number
The Mirror report Cody Gakpo could take the number seven shirt at Manchester United, now vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cody Gakpo: Verdict
All signs point to Cody Gakpo becoming Manchester United’s main signing in the January transfer window.
There are undoubtedly questions over whether United should target a more traditional number nine, but Erik ten Hag has earned our trust by this point.
Gakpo’s movement could see him link up very effectively with Marcus Rashford, Antony et al, and his ability to play multiple positions is a positive.
His record this season has been fantastic and he can only make United stronger. There are no doubts he would be a major success at OId Trafford, his potential is sky high.
The post Manchester United's most likely January signing has 30 goal contributions already this season for his club appeared first on United In Focus.
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