According to target Cody Gakpo, former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has passed off another possible summer signing for Old Trafford.
Van Gaal prevented Ajax defender Jurrien Timber from joining United earlier this summer, and it has now been revealed that the Dutch coach prevented Gakpo from joining the Premier League as well.
United manager Erik ten Hag wanted Timber to improve his backline options and made an offer to the player. Van Gaal has now signed his teammate Lisandro Martinez, but not before making his point.
The 71-year-old, who led United from 2014 to 2016, advised Timber to avoid the club. Timber’s World Cup aspirations would be jeopardized if he transferred to M16, according to the Holland coach.
Ten Hag was forced to look elsewhere when Martinez arrived from Ajax in July for £56.7 million.
And it appears that Dutch national team manager Louis van Gaal also advised winger Gakpo to avoid the Theatre of Dreams.
Van Gaal’s advice is ‘obvious.’
Gakpo, a PSV pilot, was a viable choice for United before they settled on Antony. The 23-year-old has even confessed that he felt he was on his way to Manchester United before their interest waned in the last week of the transfer window.
“We devoted the entire window to it.” “I assumed I’d go to Manchester United until last week,” he told PSV TV.
United was not the only club interested in Gakpo. Leeds and Southampton both made strong bids for the 23-year-old.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds established personal terms with the player and offered PSV more money than competitor Southampton. The Elland Road club has proposed a cost of £38.8 million.
However, Gakpo revealed that he sought Van Gaal’s assistance before making a decision about his future. And it turns out that Van Gaal was not thrilled with the prospect of the winger joining United or the Premier League.
“I spoke with other clubs, including Premier League clubs, and this may be a positive start.” But there are other aspects to consider, like the World Cup,” Gakpo explained.
Gakpo has a new deal.
“I spoke with the national team coach [Van Gaal] and sought his counsel.” His advice was unequivocal. That I should go with my gut instincts. But shifting from club to club in a World Cup year is such an adjustment. It’s not ideal for a player, and I concurred.
“It was also a bit last minute from my end because I was looking at United and then I had to choose a different club.” It all felt a little hurried. It was also inconvenient for PSV because it was so last-minute.”
Gakpo, who has been with PSV since February 2018 after graduating from the club’s youth, appears set to sign a new contract.
According to Voetbal Primeur, the Eredivisie club has finally decided to offer Gakpo a new contract.
His current PSV terms do not expire until June 2026, however, he is due for a significant wage increase.
