The £50 million-rated PSV Eindhoven forward is wanted by a host of clubs, including Manchester United…
It’s fair to say that Cody Gakpo has lived up to his billing so far at the 2022 World Cup.
With three goals in three games – one with his head, one with his left-foot and one with his right – the Netherlands forward has been one of the stars of the group stage, and he will be looking to continue his scoring form as the take on the USA in the last 16 on Saturday.
Gakpo arrived into the tournament with a reputation as one of the up-and-coming stars of European football and the 23-year-old’s performances for PSV Eindhoven this season, where he has been directly involved in 29 goals in all competitions, have attracted the attention of a host of clubs across the continent.
That interest will only strengthen given his showings in Qatar, with rumours already circulating that a January move could be in the offing.
But where might he end up? Who can afford him, who needs him the most and who is likeliest to make their move?
GOAL runs through the options…
GettyManchester United
We’ll start with the obvious, shall we? United are favourites, with the bookmakers at least, to land Gakpo, having been heavily linked with a move last summer.
Erik ten Hag is a fan, and the Red Devils are most definitely in need of a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. They have the means, they have the need and they have a manager who knows the player well. It looks a good fit, even if they could have had him for far less than the rumoured £50 million ($61m) fee a few months back.
“For him, joining United, that would be a great move,” Jaap Stam, the former United and Netherlands defender told GOAL, in association with Football Betting.
“He has got the ability to make that next step, to go abroad and join a big team. Ten Hag knows him as well, of course, he knows what he can bring because he’s played against him several times with Ajax.
“United are always looking for players that can be an influence in that side – especially young players that can develop and have a big impact. For him, it’s going to be good to make that next step.”
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBarcelona
How about joining the long list of Dutch stars to have tried their luck at Camp Nou, then?
The likes of Johan Cruyff, Patrick Kluivert, Ronald Koeman, Frank and Ronald de Boer, Edgar Davids, Marc Overmars and Philipp Cocu all represented Barca, and Gakpo would appear to have the skillset to thrive in La Liga. He can play across the forward line, has a good touch and awareness and can score and create goals.
The presence of current international teammates Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay should not be seen as too significant a factor – both are likely to depart in the coming months – and there is no obvious need for Barcelona to sign Gakpo, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembele and, for now at least, Depay all competing for forward spots.
And whether they'd even be able to register him, or indeed any new signing, at the moment must also be considered, given their financial issues.
Getty ImagesLiverpool
Another Premier League club linked with Gakpo is Liverpool, with some suggestions in Holland that talks have already been opened.
GOAL understands such claims are wide of the mark, and that while Gakpo is a player who will be monitored by the Reds’ scouting team, he is not somebody that is being actively targeted.
Liverpool’s priority, for now, is on midfielders, though they would almost certainly require a new forward if Roberto Firmino leaves on a free transfer at the end of the season. It would be a huge surprise if they were to move for Gakpo in January.
GettyLeeds United
Had things turned out differently in the summer, Gakpo could already be playing in the Premier League at Elland Road.
Having seen a proposed move to Manchester United break down, he was given the option of joining Leeds late in the transfer window – “it was a stressful period,” he said – only to end up staying at PSV.
Leeds’ interest remains, as does their desperate need for a goalscorer, but whether Jesse Marsch’s side have missed the boat, with PSV’s asking price likely to have almost doubled since August, is another matter. The smart money says he's aiming higher.