PSV Eindhoven technical director John de Jong today confirmed that the Dutch club held substantial talks with Manchester United for Cody Gakpo.
United were heavily linked with the Dutch winger, but a move never materialized with Erik ten Hag preferring a reunion with Antony.
On the Red Devils’ interest in Gakpo, De Jong said, “Manchester United reported at the start of the transfer window.”
“They expressed their interest in Gakpo, but after that they took a long time.”
“In the end, as management, we had talks with Manchester United between the games against Rangers.”
🚨🇳🇱 PSV Director John De Jong: “Manchester United reported at the start of the transfer window. They expressed their interest in Gakpo, but after that they took a long time. In the end, as management, we had talks with Manchester United between the games against Rangers.” #MUFC
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) September 3, 2022
The technical director also lifted the lid on the 23-year-old’s failed United move, which died at the last second.
“It seemed to become more concrete, but that faded and at the end of the window.”
“The option to sell him to United was no longer there.”
✅ PSV Director John De Jong on Cody Gakpo: “Then it seemed to become more concrete, but that faded and at the end of the window the option to sell him to United was no longer there.” #MUFC 🇳🇱🔴
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) September 3, 2022
United were not the only Premier League interested in Gakpo’s services. Southampton were also strongly linked with the attacker, seeing a bid rejected on deadline day.
He eventually stayed at PSV. The player himself admitted, similar to De Jong, that he thought he was joining United in a sensational bid.
“We were kind of waiting for that. Then it comes closer and closer, and the signals become more positive,” Gakpo said.
Despite Antony coming in, United are still extremely light in attack, something that would have been offset by Gakpo’s arrival. It remains to be seen whether United will go back in for him in January or next summer.
