Erik ten Hag has a number of things to think about going into this January’s transfer window. The Dutchman signed six players in his first summer in charge but it’s likely that he is still keen on further strengthening his squad.
The striker position is a big worry for Ten Hag, who is down to just one out-and-out forward following the controversial departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month.
Cody Gakpo, the PSV winger, was heavily linked with a summer move but United opted to sign Antony instead. Now, Gakpo is being paired with a move to the Reds again and his exploits at this winter’s World Cup have only added fuel to fire.
Gakpo was one of the tournament’s outstanding players and it’s likely that Europe’s biggest clubs will be looking to sign him. According to fresh reports, United are now ‘determined’ to sign Gakpo.
That’s according to talkSPORT, who crucially say that PSV are open to a sale and will entertain bids of around £45m. As per the report, Ten Hag wants to sign Gakpo and the United board are willing to show their backing.
It’s claimed that the Old Trafford club are looking for reinforcements due to Ronaldo’s exit.
SN’s verdict…
Gakpo is not an out-and-out striker and the lack of available forward may be the reason why Ten Hag is pushing to sign Gakpo. But, Louis van Gaal did use Gakpo in the middle for the Netherlands and his three goals prove that he can do a job there.
Above all else, Ten Hag will be desperate to add options in the frontline. Anthony Martial has been plagued by injuries for several years now and as things stand, United don’t have a like-for-like replacement.
