PSV Eindhoven director of football Marcel Brands has opened up about Cody Gakpo’s potential exit.
Manchester United have been frequently linked with the Netherlands international, who has already registered 30 goal contributions (13 goals, 17 assists) for PSV this season, so you can tell why some of Europe’s biggest clubs will be keeping a close eye on Gakpo.
On top of that, the Netherlands star scored in every group game at the World Cup, finishing the tournament with three goals. For PSV he tends to play on the left flank but Louis van Gaal showcased his versatility by unleashing Gakpo as a centre-forward.
United need a player like this, hence why the Gakpo rumours aren’t going away. They are here to stay and it remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag will be given the funds required to sign him in January. The manager has already admitted he is searching for a forward in January after losing Cristiano Ronaldo last month.
Speaking to PSV supporters on club talk show Eeuwig Trouw, Marcel Brands addressed questions about Gakpo’s future. He said (as quoted by the Manchester Evening News): “You have to be realistic.
“When you talk about Cody Gakpo and the price tag, how many clubs are able to buy a player of that calibre? You are talking about maybe 10 or 12 clubs in Europe.
“You have to need a player in that position and be able and willing to spend the money in January, which is normally less hectic than the summer. We have yet to see if it all happens. He has no clause or anything.”
Brands added: “No amounts have been agreed on either. The agreements that were made were there before my time.
“Amounts have not been discussed, but if the right club comes that Cody would like to go… Those agreements were already made before I came. It must be a record transfer for PSV anyway. Then you know in which direction it should go.”
Brands, a well respected director in world football, also suggested United panicked when they spent big for Antony on deadline day. This is his way of saying PSV could have done with a cut of that money for Gakpo.
“That [Antony transfer] had nothing to do with market conformity, but with a club that is in panic and a trainer who insisted on him.
“Many players have left for market value in recent times, such as Gabriel Jesus for £50m or Erling Haaland for 75 million euros. In the media it seems like all the clubs are lining up, but the reality is that we don’t know anything about interest or anything yet.
“It’s quiet. I’ve spoken to Cody. He’s going on vacation for 10 days. If something is at play, it is perhaps known to Cody or his management, but not to us yet.”
