Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd can complete signing of the season for mind-boggling new fee, as selling club reaches bittersweet decision

Erik ten Hag Man Utd manager

Man Utd could complete arguably the signing of the season in January for a mind-blowingly low fee after a brutal truth hit hard for the potential sellers, per a report.

Upon hearing the phrase ‘signing of the season’, attention immediately turns to Erling Haaland. The Man City ace has somehow managed to surpass even the loftiest of expectations since moving to the Etihad, with 22 goals in his first 16 matches.

His £51m transfer fee is unquestionably a bargain and was only so low due to a release clause. However, his colossal salary and high agent’s fees raise the true cost of the deal far higher.

Not every superstar player costs a fortune, and according to De Telegraaf, Manchester United may be able to sign their own for a bargain basement fee.

The Red Devils are known admirers of PSV Eindhoven hotshot, Cody Gakpo. The Dutch winger’s 27 goal contributions this season surpass those of Haaland (25) and even Lionel Messi (23).

Gakpo has admittedly played more matches, though his statistics are mightily impressive nonetheless, especially for someone who primarily plays out wide.

He was the subject of strong interest from Leeds Utd and Southampton over the summer, though both approaches ended in failure.

Gakpo recently admitted he spoke several times with Erik ten Hag during the last window, but United’s focus was taken by Antony.

Man Utd move expected in 2023

United are expected to reignite their interest at some stage in 2023. Arsenal have also been linked with hijacking any move as they seek new competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the wings.

Fabrizio Romano recently claimed Gakpo is now a player who will move to a club further up the table than Leeds or Southampton.

Given the Dutch connection with Ten Hag and the fact PSV are managed by former United striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy, the signs point towards Old Trafford being Gakpo’s next stop.

Now, a report from De Telegraaf has revealed Gakpo could be signed in January, though for a fee even lower than touted last summer.

Cody Gakpo price falls?

Gakpo was valued around the £35m mark earlier in 2022. However, the Dutch outlet report PSV simply cannot refuse any offers of around €30m (approx £25.75m) after the World Cup.

A figure of around £25.75m would constitute fantastic value for a player who is seemingly destined for the top.

Explaining why PSV’s valuation has dropped, it’s claimed the Dutch club are in financial trouble.

To avoid posting heavy losses at season’s end, PSV require a mid-season sale. Ibrahim Sangare is another highly saleable asset, though Gakpo would earn them the biggest fee in one go.

Selling Gakpo would be a bitter pill to swallow for PSV given they’ve already qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Furthermore, bitter rivals Ajax saw their squad gutted last summer, meaning PSV have genuine ambitions of winning both the Dutch Cup and Eredivisie too.

Ajax’s squad is simply not of the standard it once was, though selling Gakpo would blunt PSV’s own quest for trophies after Christmas.

Gakpo operates primarily on the left wing, though his versatility allows him to play on the right or centrally, both as a centre forward or No 10.

His incredible statistics and continued development would ordinarily warrant a huge price hike. However, PSV’s situation financially means that the opposite has occurred.

Man Utd – along with any and all other potential suitors – are sure to take note.

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