Could Cody Gakpo be set for a January transfer?
FT Desk
- 5 Sept 2022 21:54 BST
- 3 min read
Cody Gakpo was linked with a move to Manchester United before they plumped for Antony, but a Premier League move could be just around the corner for the Dutch international winger.
United flirted with Gakpo as they were nearing what became a €100 million move for Ajax winger Antony. Leeds had retained an interest in the player all summer, but he thought he was Old Trafford-bound, telling PSV's YouTube channel the following last week:
"Manchester United had reported at the beginning of the transfer window. We were waiting for that a bit. The signals became more and more positive and at a certain point I thought it might fall in that direction.
Would Man Utd have been better signing Cody Gakpo over Antony? ⚖️https://t.co/u7PWSd7uSs
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 3, 2022
"That option faded a bit and completely last week. We worked the whole window towards it. Until last week, I thought I would go to Man Utd. In the last week I looked at all options. In the end PSV came up with a good offer and that turned out to be the right choice for me."
Bright start for Antony
With Antony scoring on his Man Utd debut - a 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday - and Jadon Sancho beginning to find his best form, the need now for a winger Old Trafford isn't pronounced. Leeds could now pounce instead.
The Yorkshire club reportedly agreed terms with Gakpo right at the end of the transfer window, but PSV refused to budge with no time to find a replacement. But movement at Elland Road can be expected in the winter window.
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"Leeds are planning to push again for Cody Gakpo in January, after crazy change on Deadline Day," tweeted transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. "He's the main target… but there will be lot of competition."
Southampton also retain an interest in Gakpo, who had 21 goals and 15 assists in 47 games in all competitions for PSV last season, and is up to seven and six in each column after 10 games this.
