23-Year-Old Cody Gakpo Breaks Silence on Failed Manchester United Transfer: “It Was Inches Away”
At just 23, Cody Gakpo has become one of Europe’s brightest attacking prospects.
And now, he’s opened up about how close he came to wearing the Manchester United shirt.
In a candid chat with The Times, the PSV Eindhoven star confirmed that he had spoken to Erik ten Hag “a few times” regarding a potential move to Old Trafford.
The transfer, however, never materialized.
“I was close to leaving. I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United,” Gakpo revealed.”
“In the end, the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and also for PSV.”
“A transfer to Manchester United would have been a great step for the club as well.”
What Went Wrong?
According to Gakpo, the timing of United’s approach was the biggest issue.
Talks with the Premier League giants only began a week before the summer transfer deadline.
By then, Manchester United had already committed to an £85 million swoop for Antony from Ajax, a deal that effectively closed the door on Gakpo’s move.
“Manchester United’s interest felt rushed,” Gakpo added. “Last week, I thought I was going there. Then it became ‘choose another club, and it all felt hectic. That’s not good for PSV or me.”
Leeds and Southampton Tried Their Luck
After the United deal fell through, two other Premier League clubs, Leeds United and Southampton, came knocking.
Gakpo admits he considered both but ultimately chose to stay loyal to PSV, the club where he grew up.
“It was not a punishment to stay in Holland. This is my childhood club,” he said.
“I want to win trophies here. But if the Premier League comes calling again, of course, I’ll have to consider it.”
Mental Toll of a Transfer That Never Was
The Dutch international, who has nine goals in ten appearances this season and nine caps for the Netherlands, admits the failed transfer did take a toll on him.
“It was a stressful week. I stayed up late in meetings with my family and management, weighing all options. When it was all over, I felt some peace. You breathe, you sleep better again.”
“We had worked the whole window toward the United move. The signs were positive for a while, but it just faded in the final stretch.”
Watch the best of Cody Gakpo 2022/23 video
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