Man Utd can complete signing of the season for mind-boggling new fee, as selling club reaches bittersweet decision
According to a rumor, Manchester United might complete perhaps the season's best signing in January for a ridiculously modest amount after a harsh reality slammed the possible sellers hard.
When the phrase “signing of the season” is mentioned, everyone’s attention is drawn to Erling Haaland. With 22 goals in his first 16 outings for Manchester City, the striker has defied even the most optimistic predictions.
His £51 million transfer cost is undeniably modest, and it was only that low due to a release clause. However, his exorbitant pay and expensive agent fees raise the true cost of the transaction significantly.
Not every superstar player is exorbitantly priced, and according to De Telegraaf, Manchester United may be able to sign one for a pittance.
The Red Devils are known fans of PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo. The Dutch winger’s 27 goals this season have surpassed those of Haaland (25) and even Lionel Messi (23).
Gakpo has played more matches, but his statistics are still excellent, especially for someone who typically plays out wide.
Over the summer, he drew serious attention from Leeds United and Southampton, but both approaches fell through.
Gakpo recently confessed that he spoke with Erik ten Hag multiple times during the last window, but United’s attention was drawn to Antony.
Manchester United is expected to relocate in 2023.
United is anticipated to renew its interest in the summer of 2023. Arsenal has also been connected with hijacking any transfer as they seek additional competition on the wings for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Fabrizio Romano recently suggested that Gakpo will now join a club higher up the ladder than Leeds or Southampton.
Given Ten Hag’s Dutch connections and the fact that PSV is led by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, all indicators point to Old Trafford as Gakpo’s next location.
According to a source in De Telegraaf, Gakpo could be signed in January for a fee even lower than that mentioned last summer.
Cody Gakpo’s pricing dropped?
Gakpo was valued at about £35 million earlier in 2022. However, according to the Dutch newspaper, PSV simply cannot refuse any proposals of around €30 million (around £25.75 million) after the World Cup.
A fee of roughly £25.75 million would represent excellent value for a player who appears to be headed for greatness.
PSV’s valuation has plummeted due to financial difficulties, according to reports.
PSV needs a mid-season sale to prevent big losses at the end of the season. Ibrahim Sangare is another highly marketable item, albeit Gakpo would fetch the highest fee in a single transaction.
Selling Gakpo would be a difficult pill for PSV to chew given that they have already qualified for the Europa League knockout rounds.
Furthermore, after Ajax’s team was decimated last summer, PSV has legitimate ambitions to win both the Dutch Cup and the Eredivisie.
Ajax’s team is just not as good as it once was, however losing Gakpo would undermine PSV’s own drive for championships after the holidays.
Gakpo typically plays on the left side, although his versatility allows him to also play on the right or centrally, as a center forward or No 10.
His extraordinary statistics and continuous improvement would normally justify a significant price increase. However, PSV’s financial status indicates that the reverse has occurred.
Man United, as well as any other potential bidders, will take notice.
