Transfer Centre

PSV Eindhoven's Ruud van Nistelrooy provides update on Manchester United-linked Cody Gakpo

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 23 August 2022

PSV boss Van Nistelrooy provides update on Man United-linked Gakpo

PSV Eindhoven boss Ruud van Nistelrooy insists that he is relaxed over the future of star attacker Cody Gakpo amid interest from Manchester United.

The 23-year-old Netherlands international has recently emerged as one of the Red Devils' leading targets heading into the final 10 days of the summer transfer window.

A recent report claims that United have agreed personal terms with Gakpo, although they have yet to make a formal offer for the 6ft 2in attacker.

PSV have made it clear that they are not prepared to enter negotiations for Gakpo until their Champions League playoff tie against Rangers is complete.

Gakpo provided two assists for PSV in the 2-2 first-leg draw at Ibrox last week, and the Dutch side will be bidding to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time in four years when they welcome the Gers to the Philips Stadion for the reverse fixture on Wednesday night.

PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on August 16, 2022 © Reuters

Van Nistelrooy was questioned about Gakpo at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, and stated that the attacker has a "special" attitude considering his age and the speculation surrounding his future.

"I think I am very relaxed about [Gakpo's] situation," the former Man United striker told reporters. "There have been rumours about him since the beginning of the season almost eight weeks ago, and we have not seen Cody changing his behaviour up to now.

"There were rumours over the whole period and I admire that a lot in him. He is working on his development on a daily basis, playing in games and reaching his level.

"He is not distracted, he is focused on the games he has to play and focused on tomorrow's game with his teammates. For a young guy like him it is special to see that attitude."

When asked if he would like to keep hold of Gakpo beyond the summer window, Van Nistelrooy said: "That's obvious. As long as he's a PSV player he's here. That's what I'll focus on and him as well. There's no if or what ifs. He's a PSV player until further notice."

Cody Gakpo celebrating a goal for PSV Eindhoven in October 2021. © Reuters

Gakpo suggested before PSV's first leg with Rangers that he is "more likely" to stay with the Eredivisie club this summer, telling ESPN: "We must first focus on and try to make it to the Champions League. Then it is more likely that I will stay.

"I don't think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay.

"I'm open for a cup of coffee with the management – or coffee for them and water for me. We'll see how it goes."

Gakpo, who is believed to be valued by PSV between £30m and £40m, recorded 21 goals and 15 assists in 46 games across all competitions last season, and he is under contract at the Philips Stadion until the summer of 2026.

Man United confirmed the arrival of midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid on Monday night, while Erik ten Hag's side are continuing to pursue deals for Ajax forward Antony and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.