Is Holland’s Latest Star The Answer For Manchester United This January?

After a World Cup in which Cody Gakpo scored three goals in his opening three games and was the leading player for Holland, there is no doubt that top European clubs will be vying for his signature.

Coupled up with his three World Cup goals is 36 goal contributions (18 goals, 18 assists) in 34 appearances throughout all competitions for PSV Eindhoven this season – a quite frightening amount.

Gakpo was on the verge of joining Leeds United on last summer’s deadline day, but the deal was too late in the day and Eindhoven kept hold of their man for the first part of this campaign. Before Leeds came calling, Southampton and Manchester United were actively pushing for his signature, but both went in different directions in the end.

Erik Ten Hag is clearly a fan of his compatriot and has seen him close up for a number of seasons when managing AFC Ajax in the Eredivisie. If it was not for Antony’s eventual signature, Manchester United would have had signed Gakpo by now as he was the alternative target last summer.

With a weekly smattering of goals and assists from Gakpo this season, his price tag has only increased, to the pleasure of PSV. The Dutch international was valued at around £35 million in the summer, but with his ongoing rise and status, the Eredivisie club are looking for a fee closer to £50 – 60 million now – which they’ll most likely receive.

At 23, Gakpo has a long and exciting future ahead of him. Playing for his national team and scoring goals for fun, he is a player in demand from juggernauts of European football.

With the news that hit the headlines during the World Cup of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract being terminated at Manchester United, it opens up a space for a much-needed forward to come in and bolster the attack.

And while Gakpo is typically a left winger, Ten Hag clearly has illustrated on a number of occasions that he wants his forward line to be incredibly fluid. Anthony Martial is currently occupying the number nine position, but there are serious question marks over his longevity given his poor record with injuries – especially this season.

There is every need for a forward to come in for January and Gakpo appears to be the most likely given the relationship with Ten Hag and availability from PSV. While it will cost them north of £50 million, this is a player that will continue to grow in performances and has a startling goals-to-games ratio.

Standing well over 6ft tall, Gakpo also possess the physical profile that will help him in the PremierPINC
League. Playing through the middle as a centre forward, which Ten Hag might well use him as, will mean coming up against very physically-challenging opponents and teams. Having Gakpo’s aerial advantages allows Man United to act in a multi-dimensional way when constructing their attacks.

January looms near and Manchester United are getting their affairs in order to close the deal and bring Gakpo to Old Trafford.