Cody Gakpo has opened up on his failed transfer to Manchester United this summer. The 23-year-old came close to joining the Premier League side with Erik Ten Hag newly appointed. However, he ended up staying at PSV Eindhoven, his boyhood club.
He has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in 18 games across all competitions. And over the course of the first few games, he has amassed one of the highest goal contributions in all of Europe.
Cody Gakpo talks about failed move to Manchester United this summer
‘I was close to leaving, 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, and 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.
‘It 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.’
‘I always said if I stay here, it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment,’ Cody Gakpo added. ‘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.’
