PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo has confirmed that he was interested in joining Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international was one of several forward players that attracted United this summer, but the club did not make a formal approach to PSV.
The Red Devils have been pursuing Ajax star Antony as their main attacking target. They have gone through a series of drawn-out negotiations over a transfer fee before reaching agreement with a €100m deal on the Brazilian. On deadline day, their transfer business was completed.
Gakpo still has four years remaining on his contract at the Philips Stadion. He had an excellent 2021/22 campaign with PSV, scoring 21 goals and 15 assists in total 46 appearances.
Since then, the Netherlands international has made a strong start to the new campaign, scoring seven goals and six assists in nine games, including six strikes in just four Eredivisie appearances.
United were initially hoping to sign the 22-year-old, but due to their transfer budget, they could not afford Gakpo, who was valued at €45-50m. The 23-year-old has now confirmed that he was waiting for the Red Devils to make their move.
Speaking to PSV Eindhoven’s YouTube channel, he said: “At the start of the window, United registered their interest but not very strongly, so I was waiting for a bit.”
“And then the end was approaching and the signals became more positive. I started thinking it could fall that way eventually.”
“The interest faded last week, so the whole window I worked towards that and then it faded.”
Man United were not the only club interested in signing Gakpo, with Leeds United and Southampton both linked with the 23-year-old. But but he eventually decided to stay with a view to the World Cup.
