Cody Gakpo from PSV has shared his thoughts on how close he was 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 is currently playing in the Eredivise under Ruud van Niestelrooy, a former Red Devils star. 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.
Gakpo now confirms that his negotiations with the club ended around the same period, despite having spoken to Ten Hag multiple times.
“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.”
Gakpo was also Leeds and Southampton are heavily connectedAt the close of the window, their academy graduate decided 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 23With 13 goals and 11 assists, he now has 24 total goals 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 Marcel Brands, PSV director, previously suggested that he might be allowed to go if an offer came in..
“It [Man United move]The transfer window closed a week early and I had to make a decision about whether I would go to Leeds, Southampton or both. 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. It’s a pleasure to be here. I want to win trophies and do my best for this 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 traveling to England to face Arsenal in the Europa League at the Emirates on Thursday. All the latest updates can be listened to live on talkSPORT.
