Football News: Cody Gakpo and the race by European clubs to sign him
Cody Gakpo is a hot topic in football at the moment. The in-form forward kickstarted his World Cup 2022 on a strong note by scoring three goals for the Netherlands in the group stage.
Netherlands attacker Cody GakpoThe Dutch forward will leave PSV Eindhoven shortly, and many of Europe's elite are interested in signing him this season. PSV will aim to rake in a fee of over €50 million for the 23-year-old player.
Gakpo has been linked with Manchester United, Leeds United, and Southampton during the summer transfer window. As of now, Let's take a look at famous clubs in pursuit of Gakpo!
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich need a striker instead of a wide player. Gakpo could fill in as a number nine, but he is doing well as a wide forward. However, Bayern Munich can use reinforcements in the suggested role.
Moreover, they don't plan to make January signings despite star player Sadio Mane's absence. If they still decide to sign Gakpo, he will be the most expensive signing of the winter window.
Bayern Munich currently have other areas to fix and are unlikely to splurge on a wide forward. The Bavarian club will search for a striker in the summer, and Harry Kane has been linked with them so far.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are another club interested in Gakpo, who was profoundly impressive during the World Cup. Los Blancos are known for monitoring the World Cup in search of new players.
However, Real Madrid already have Vinicius Jr. playing as a left-winger. In addition, Gakpo is older than Vinicius, so Madrid might withdraw in case there is a bidding war for the player.
Los Blancos are unlikely if we consider the rest of the teams interested in signing the Dutch forward.
Liverpool
Liverpool have reportedly sent scouts to observe Gakpo's performance at the World Cup. His estimated value was £ 25 million then, but now, it has more than doubled.
Gakpo, who was involved in 30 goals over 23 games for PSV this season, told reporters that he is not keen on a potential transfer. "I'm 100% focused now on the World Cup," he said.
As of now, Liverpool still need to set up a meeting with PSV for the forward. The Reds are also searching for a midfielder, and Brighton's Moises Caicedo is on their radar.
Gakpo addressed the speculation about his future. "As things stand, I will still play for PSV after the winter break. But as I said before the start of the World Cup: we'll see what happens," he shared.
Manchester United
Gakpo was in touch with Manchester United in the summer, but the club invested in Antony, who moved from Ajax in a deal worth £85 million. After Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, the Red Devils are searching for attacking players.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cody Gakpo could be on his way to Man Utd 👀</p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1597132281944199168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho are the only reliable men on the frontline. Anthony Martial has endured an injury-afflicted season, while Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho are in the formative years of their career.
United only have 20 goals under their belt this Premier League season, so they will try to snap up attackers. Gakpo scored in all three of the Netherlands' group-stage games, so a potential transfer might be in the cards.