PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo says he spoke to Erik ten Hag about joining Manchester United and was disappointed when a move fell through in the summer.
Gakpo was heavily linked with the Old Trafford club, but his chances of partnering with Ten Hag were dashed by the £86m acquisition of Antony from Ajax.
The 23-year-old has now disclosed how close he came to signing with United. Revealing also that he had the opportunity to play for two other Premier League teams.
What Did Gakpo Say?
“I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United,” Gakpo told The Times.
“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, but also for PSV, because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club.
Cody Gakpo: “Manchester United talks ended about a week before the end of the transfer window… so in that final week I had to decide if I would go to Southampton or Leeds”, tells The Times. 🇳🇱 #LUFC #SaintsFC
“In the end I stayed at PSV, yes – but it was a stressful period!”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2022
“It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton.
“In the end I stayed, but it was a stressful period.”
Gakpo attracted United’s interest after a superb season where he scored 21 goals in 47 games for PSV.
The Netherlands international has started the new campaign in sensational form, with 13 goals and 11 assists to his name already after 18 appearances.
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Asked if it was difficult to regain his focus after the Manchester move fell through, Gakpo said: “I always said if I stay here, it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment.”
“I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.
“But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option. At that time it was hectic for me but I recovered pretty quickly.”
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