Gakpo delays call on future as United talk intensifies
Cody Gakpo says he will make a decision on his future after the World Cup amid interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The PSV Eindhoven forward has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament with three goals in four games and impressed again as the Netherlands beat the United States 3-1 on Saturday to set up a quarter-final clash with Argentina on Friday.
United were interested in signing Gakpo, 23, last summer, but their budget did not extend to a move after spending £85.5million on Ajax winger Antony as part of a £227million outlay.
Real are also said to be watching Gakpo’s progress with interest as talk intensifies that the £47 millionrated forward – who can play as a central striker, No 10 or out wide – could leave PSV in the January transfer window. Asked if he would decide his future during or after the tournament, Gakpo said: “After. I’m not thinking about that now. I’m just really focused on the tournament, trying to keep performing well and helping the team and hopefully when we become world champion then I can think about that [the future].”
He was also asked if it had been hard to concentrate given the speculation around his future. “No, not really. I’m just trying to keep focused and the other players don’t really talk about those things which also helps me in this situation,” he replied. “We came here with a goal, which is to try to become world champion. We’re growing in the tournament, improving every game and this was another step higher.”
Erik ten Hag, the United manager, rates Gakpo highly and his desire to bring in a striker has intensified following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit. United have also been linked with Benjamin Sesko – the RB Salzburg striker, 19, who is due to join RB Leipzig next summer – among others.
Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool defender and Netherlands captain, is convinced his Dutch team-mate is ready to make the jump but questioned if a move to United would be at the same level as Real. He said: “Are Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at this moment? No disrespect, not at all. I think he definitely has a next step in him. ”
Another Dutch player who has impressed, Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, 26, has been linked with a move to Chelsea.