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PSV winger Cody Gakpo has opened up on how close he came to joining Manchester United.
The rising star has explained this summer was a ‘stressful period’ with a move ultimately failing to materialise, but it hasn’t put him off wanting to play in the Premier League when the time is right.
The 23-year-old, who currently players under former Red Devils star Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Eredivise, was targeted by United to be part of compatriot Erik ten Hag’s squad rebuild.
However, the deal fell through, with the Premier League side opting to spend £86million on Ten Hag’s former winger, then-Ajax star Antony, at the end of the transfer window instead.
Now, Gakpo has confirmed his negotiations with the club fell apart around the same time, despite him having talks with Ten Hag on multiple occasions.
“I was close to leaving [PSV], I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United,” Gakpo told The Times.
“In the end the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, 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.”
AFP
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Gakpo was also heavily linked to Leeds and Southampton at the end of the window, but their academy graduate opted not to join either.
The Dutchman is set to be one of the World Cup’s breakout stars with ex-Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal’s side.
Gakpo currently has the highest combined number of goals and assists in Europe’s main leagues this season, and he’s even eclipsed Man City Erling Haaland’s tally of 23, with 13 goals and 11 assists taking him to 24 in total in 18 matches.
But with his contract at PSV running until 2026, Gakpo insists he’s being patient when it comes to taking the next step in his career.
However, he did admit he’s still eyeing up the opportunity to play in England in the future, with PSV director Marcel Brands previously hinting he would be allowed to leave if the right offer came in.
“It [Man United move] ended about a week before the end of the transfer window and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton. In the end I stayed, but it was a stressful period,” Gakpo said.
“I always said if I stay here, it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment. I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.
“But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option. At that time it was hectic for me but I recovered pretty quickly.”
Gakpo will be travelling to England to face Arsenal at the Emirates in the Europa League this Thursday. You can listen to all the updates live on talkSPORT.
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