Following the recent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United will likely enter the January transfer window with the intention of replacing the Portuguese forward.
Ronaldo’s exit leaves the Red Devils needing reinforcements in attack, with manager Eric ten Haag likely to favour a younger, lower-profile candidate than that of Ronaldo.
One such option is PSV’s Cody Gakpo, with United holding an interest in the Dutchman prior to favouring a summer move for Ajax’s Anthony, however his performances this season may well have seen ten Haag’s interest in the forward rekindled.
The 23-year-old put up an impressive 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 Eredivisie games last season, yet looks set to usurp this tally in 2022/23; already boasting nine goals and a further 12 assists in just 14 league games.
Gakpo has also been a mainstay in PSV’s Europa League campaign with five goal contributions in five games, with the winger now performing on the international stage.
Three goals in three World Cup games has seen Gakpo start the tournament in fine form, and could see him in line for the switch to Old Trafford he was reportedly close to last summer.
Whilst Gakpo isn’t a like-for-like Ronaldo replacement, his versatility in being comfortable all across the frontline is undoubtedly an attractive quality, similar to that of Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial which would leave ten Haag spoiled for choice in attack.
The Dutchman was supposedly valued in the region of £35m back in August, however, given his start to the season and performances in Qatar, PSV would likely demand a figure nearer £50m for one of Europe’s most promising attacking talents.
United unquestionably have the resources to facilitate such a move, with this certainly one to keep an eye on ahead of what could be a unique, post-World Cup January window.
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