Transfer Centre

Manchester United-linked Cody Gakpo planning to leave PSV Eindhoven next summer

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 November 2022

Man United-linked Cody Gakpo planning to leave PSV next summer

Manchester United-linked Cody Gakpo expects to see out the remainder of the campaign with PSV Eindhoven before leaving next summer.

PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo has said that he is planning to see out the remainder of the campaign with his Dutch club before seeking pastures new next summer.

The 23-year-old was a transfer target for Manchester United over the summer, with the Red Devils holding talks with PSV over a potential move.

Leeds United and Southampton also attempted to sign the Netherlands international late in the market, but he ultimately remained in Eindhoven past the deadline.

Gakpo has been in impressive form for PSV during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering 17 assists in 23 appearances in all competitions.

A recent report claimed that PSV were under pressure to sell the forward in January, with interested clubs potentially able to sign him for a fee in the region of €30m (£25.7m).

Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring for PSV on October 6, 2022 © Reuters

However, the Dutchman has said that he is expecting to see out the campaign with the Eredivisie giants before moving on next summer.

As well as Man United, Gakpo mentioned Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool as clubs that he would be interested in joining ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

"I think at the end of this season I will be ready to take that step. I feel like I was already that way at the start of this season, but after this season I'm even more ready to take that next step," Gakpo told NOS.

"Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honor to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team would suit me best."

In total, Gakpo, who is in the Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup, has represented PSV on 158 occasions in all competitions, contributing 55 goals and 90 assists in the process.

Netherlands' Cody Gakpo during the warm up before the match on June 11, 2022 © Reuters

Man United are believed to have decided against signing Gakpo late in the summer transfer window after bringing in Brazilian attacker Antony from Ajax.

However, the Red Devils are experienced to be in the market for another forward in 2023, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer.

"I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United," Gakpo recently told The Times.

"In the end the deal didn't go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV, because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club."

Man United football director John Murtough recently suggested that his side would not be active in the winter market, but the club are thought to be considering bringing in a new right-back in January.