Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo in 2023.
Several clubs expressed interest in the Netherlands international during the summer transfer window, but he ultimately chose to remain in his homeland.
Erik ten Hag was reportedly leading the Man United charge to acquire Gakpo’s signature after seeing the attacker’s abilities firsthand during his stint in the Eredivisie.
Arsenal and Leeds United were also linked with the 23-year-old, who was said to have been in negotiations with the Whites about a summer transfer.
Gakpo is under contract at the Philips Stadion until 2026, having only signed a new contract in January, but he recently revealed that he is ready to take the next step in his career next year.
“I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that step. I feel like I was already that way at the start of this season, but after this season I’m even more ready to take that next step,” Gakpo told NOS.
“Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honour to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team would suit me best.”
Man United Reach Agreement In Principle To Sign Cody Gakpo?
According to Football Insider, Man United are closing in on Gakpo’s signing after striking an agreement in principle with the Dutchman.
As per the report, the Red Devils must still try to convince PSV to split ways with Gakpo in January, or else the swoop will have to wait until the summer.
Despite interest from Leeds, Southampton, and Everton, Gakpo is also believed to be interested in a move to a European-competing team, giving Manchester United a major edge.
A fee of €30m (£25.8m) is said to be enough to sign Gakpo in January, though his value might increase if the Netherlands perform well at the World Cup.
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However, with Manchester United freeing up £500,000 per week in wages as a result of Cristiano Ronaldo’s mutual exit, they are unconcerned about the possibility of paying more.
Gakpo has progressed through the PSV youth divisions since joining in 2007, collecting 55 goals and 50 assists in 159 games for the club in all events.
Gakpo has now scored two goals in two World Cup 2022 matches for the Netherlands, against Senegal and Ecuador, as Oranje leads Group A with four points from their first two games.
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