PSV Eindhoven sporting director Marcel Brands has revealed that Manchester United failed to sign Cody Gakpo this summer after they refused to meet the price tag.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with the Netherlands international during the last transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise before the deadline.
United were initially aiming to land both Gakpo and Antony but ended up spending the remaining budget on prising away the latter from Ajax.
Gakpo has since confirmed that he was expecting to join the club and speaking to ESPN.nl, Brands revealed that United did not meet the fee.
Shortly after PSV’s 2-1 win at Ajax, Brands said that Gakpo has not played his final game against the rivals, thus hinting that he may not leave in January
He said: “No, this is not Cody Gakpo’s last match against Ajax. Next year he will also play the match in Eindhoven against Ajax. If it will be his last away match with PSV against Ajax? Yes, that is a possibility.”
He went on further to disclose the offer made by Leeds and clarified that United would have signed Gakpo if they were willing to pay €50 million.
He added: “Leeds United offered €30 million with €11m as a bonus. Six of them were to be payed if Leeds reached the Champions League.”
“People said and wrote a lot about this, but no one within the organisation of PSV wanted to accept this.
“If United offered the money that we wanted to have for Cody, then we would’ve sold him. You can not stop him then. With bonuses we wanted to go up until €50m.”
United missed big opportunity to land Gakpo
The Red Devils made a huge outlay of €100m on Antony over the summer. The Brazilian has been a good acquisition with three goals from 11 appearances so far.
However, the club had the chance to land Gakpo for half the price. The hierarchy should have backed Erik ten Hag with extra funds to purchase the 23-year-old.
Gakpo has been in stellar form for the Eredivisie outfit this term with 13 goals and 17 assists from 23 games and this should increase the interest in his signature.
Earlier this year, United seemed favourites to prise him away but the scenario could be completely different in the New Year with other elite clubs entering the race.
Hence, United may have missed their big opportunity to land his services. PSV could make use of the widespread interest to further increase their valuation of him.
We don’t see the Red Devils entering the hunt for Gakpo unless he is available next summer. Football director John Murtough has already hinted over a quiet January transfer window.
