John de Jong reveals PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands star Cody Gakpo has wanted Manchester United move for “a long time”
Former PSV Eindhoven technical director John de Jong has revealed that the Netherlands star Cody Gakpo has wanted a move to Manchester United for “a long time”.
The Red Devils were looking to bolster the front line in the summer of 2022. In the end, the Old Trafford side signed Antony from Ajax. The Brazilian has since settled in quickly in Manchester.
However, speaking to Dutch outlet NOS (h/t Manchester Evening News), De Jong, who was recently sacked for a “breach of confidence” with the board, disclosed that the 23-year-old was eager to move to United. But ultimately, the deal fell through.
“Cody has been waiting a long time for the transfer to Manchester United and it seemed to be coming. A week before the end of the transfer window that fell through. After that he had two options in the Premier League, but you never know how that will turn out.
“He made the choice himself.”
Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. And the Red Devils may have to look for replacements for the Portugal international.
His exit has dwindled Erik ten Hag’s options up front. Anthony Martial is seemingly the only natural number nine at the Dutch manager’s disposal. Unfortunately, the French national has had a hard time with injuries in the current campaign.
As a result, Marcus Rashford has been deployed in the centre-forward position for most of the season. And while the 25-year-old has done well, some fans feel the England international is not clinical enough in front of goal.
Gakpo has been in fine form for PSV since the 2021/22 campaign. He primarily plays as a winger but has also been deployed in the number nine role.
The 23-year-old is currently with the Netherlands at the World Cup. In both of Holland’s first two fixtures of Group A in Qatar against Senegal and Ecuador, the forward was successful in finding the back of the net.
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Thus, a lot of supporters want the Old Trafford side to make a move for Gakpo in January. However, whether the club will try to get a deal over the line this time remains to be seen.
