The reasons behind Cody Gakpo’s failed move to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have been explained, according to reports.
Cody Gakpo, who eventually moved to Liverpool in January, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in January, with his performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar heightening interest in the forward.
During his time at PSV, Manchester United, as well as Championship side Southampton, were keen on the winger according to The Athletic but a move to the South Coast or to Old Trafford never happened.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool snuck in at the 11th hour and signed the Dutch forward much to Erik ten Hag’s dismay and the reasons behind the failed deal have been explained.
Why the Gakpo deal failed
A report from Eindhovens Dagblad has explained the truth behind the Dutchman’s failed move to Old Trafford.
The report states that a move to United ‘seemed imminent’ after the player’s impressive performances in the Netherlands had been noted by Ten Hag.
During the World Cup, the Dutch forward scored three goals in five matches and certainly looked to be a superb talent under Louis Van Gaal for the national side.
United reportedly showed ‘extensive interest’ in the former PSV forward but, interestingly, the Red Devils failed to complete the deal as they ‘failed due to financial rules’, the report doesn’t state what this rule was.
The forward’s agent, Kees Ploegsma, reportedly could be seen distressed about the news of United’s interest ending.
United’s transfer failings
Gakpo has been one of a number of talented players whom the Red Devils have missed out on in recent years. The 25-year-old joins Frenkie De Jong, Julian Alvarez, and Moises Caicedo in an extensive list of players who the Red Devils have missed out on.
Gakpo may well have been a superb attacking addition for the Red Devils and at the fee that Liverpool paid for the forward, which is £35 million, the Red Devils missed out on a bargain.
With Paul Mitchell looking likely to join Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos at United, the hope will be that these bargain deals can be discovered sooner and the Red Devils will be more efficient in the transfer market going forward.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/8KEuyo3