Manchester United have moved one step closer to granting Erik ten Hag his wish of signing Cody Gakpo after reaching an agreement in principle with the PSV winger, according to a report.
Gakpo has become the main target Manchester United are focusing on to replenish their attack following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Ten Hag is aware of the PSV star’s talent after coming up against him with Ajax in the Eredivisie.
Currently starring with the Netherlands at the World Cup, Gakpo looks ready for the next step in his career. He already could have come to the Premier League in the summer, but now may have an even better chance of doing so in 2023.
Manchester United have moved into pole position to sign Gakpo ahead of summer suitors like Leeds and Southampton. The lure of involvement in UEFA competition will be beneficial, as could the presence of Ten Hag.
In fact, according to a report on Football Insider, Manchester United have now come to an “agreement in principle” with Gakpo over choosing them as his next club.
The 23-year-old already held several talks with Ten Hag over the summer and could soon call him his manager if Manchester United overcome the next hurdles in the transfer process.
Having seemingly secured the player’s word, the Red Devils now need to negotiate with PSV. So far, the Eredivisie side have shown little intention of selling Gakpo in January.
However, the prospect of a summer sale is very much on – while a chance remains they could be tempted into a parting of ways this winter if the price is right. Reports have indicated that a bid of around £40million might yet do the trick.
There is a risk that Gakpo’s value will have risen thanks to his form at the World Cup. He has scored in both of the Netherlands’ group matches so far in Qatar.
Cody Gakpo can reverse negative Man Utd trend
Even so, Man Utd are confident of securing his signature to strengthen their attack. At the time of the World Cup break, only Chelsea have scored fewer goals than Ten Hag’s men in the 2022-23 Premier League out of the teams currently in the top half.Adding Gakpo to their squad – after he scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in his first 24 PSV appearances of the season – might change that for the better.
Contact has been preserved with his entourage, even though Gakpo may be looking to change his representatives soon to push through a transfer. Whichever way, it seems that confidence is growing that Man Utd may be able to sign him.
Despite his lack of previous Premier League experience, Gakpo could be just what they need as they hunt down a top-four place.
