PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo has spoken up for the first time since being linked with Manchester United in the last week. The reports told that United have Gakpo on stand-by if they fail in their pursuit of Ajax winger Antony. Erik ten Hag had prioritised the signing of his former player from Ajax, with the club holding out on their €100 million asking price.
As a result, the Red Devils had identified Gakpo as the alternative to Antony. Gakpo, like Antony has earned high praises after consistently putting on impressive performances for the Eredivisie side. His exploits from last season also put him on the radars of Europe’s elite clubs, among which were Arsenal, Barcelona, Everton and Leeds United. United emerged as frontrunners after holding initial talks with his representatives according to multiple reports.
Antony’s deal has ‘no influence’ on his future asserts Cody Gakpo
Manchester United have finally agreed a deal for Antony, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports. The journalist has confirmed that the two clubs have reached an agreement of €95 million guaranteed fee and €5 million in add-ons for the Brazilian. After rejecting two bids from United, Ajax have given up in their quest to keep the 22-year-old.
While earlier reports stated that the PSV winger was a backup to United’s Antony deal, the 23-year-old has dismissed the claims and insisted that his future completely depends on his decision. Talking to ESPN in a post match interview after PSV thumped Excelsior 6-1, Gakpo said:
“Manchester United is one of the interested clubs, but there are other options. United is a serious option, though. I can hear it all. I’m trying to get rid of it, but that’s difficult”. About Antony’s imminent move to United, he said: “Nice for him. But for me and my future, I think that has no influence. It’s like a puzzle so in the next few days I will see which puzzle fits best — for me, it’d be certainly not bad to stay at PSV. We’ll see.”
Gakpo has suggested that he could be on the move before the deadline day as he weighs up all the options which also include Man United. The Dutch winger had a stellar 2021/22 campaign with PSV, netting 21 goals and providing 15 assists in 47 games. He has made a strong start to this season as well, racking up 3 goals and 3 assists in three league games so far.
The left-winger has a long-term contract with PSV which runs through the summer of 2026. While he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of staying in Holland, a concrete offer from United who are still tracking him can lure him to England. The Red Devils want more attacking reinforcements after managing to score just four goals in four games so far.
Moreover, with star forward Cristiano Ronaldo expected to quit the club before the transfer window shuts, United will be needing an attacker to replace him. While Cody happens to be a natural winger, Ten Hag would do with him since the youngster boasts a lot of quality.