PSV star Cody Gakpo has revealed that former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal talked him out of moving to Old Trafford in the summer.
Gakpo emerged as a transfer target for United early in the window when Eric ten Hag tried to strengthen his striker option.
In the end, the Red Devils opted not to make any move for the winger, who PSV valued at around £40m, instead signing Anton from Ajax for £82m on deadline day.
But United are not the only Premier League club interested in the 23-year-old, as Leeds and Southampton tried unsuccessfully to secure his services at the end of the summer.
Gakpo claims he was happy to stay in the Eredivisie after learning of the transfer failure, but also revealed an unexpected role for van Gaal in the transfer story.
“I have spoken to other clubs, Premier League clubs. This could be a good move, but there are other factors to consider, such as the World Cup,” the Dutch international said.
“I spoke with the coach of the national team [Van Gaal] and asked for advice. His advice was clear: you must follow your heart, but a World Cup transfer of the year is a change from club to club. It is not ideal for a footballer and I agree with him.
“For me, it was a bit of a last minute moment because I was thinking about United and I had to pick another club. It all felt a bit rushed. It wasn’t good.”
Gakpo’s story is similar to that of Julian Timber, who had a relationship with United over the summer working for Ten Hag at Ajax.
However, the young defender signed a new contract with Amsterdam Mars after van Gaal warned him about a transfer that could cost him a place in the Dutch squad for the World Cup in Qatar in November.
As for Gakpo, he revealed just how strong United’s interest in him was and admitted that at one point he was convinced he would move to the club, despite PSV’s decision to keep him.
“It was unknown. Days, weeks, months… I’m glad it’s over,” he added.
It was late [to deal with] Because it was the first time I decided to stay or go. We expect some immediate clarity at the start of the window so we can focus on PSV or our new club, but that hasn’t happened.
“At the beginning of the window, United showed interest, but it wasn’t that strong, so we waited a little longer before the end came and the signal became more positive. I thought it would eventually go down like that. I started thinking.
“Last week the interest disappeared, so after working the whole window on it, it disappeared.
“I feel like I’m here in my city. Everyone knows how I feel, but I have to weigh all my options, but in the end I know I made the right decision.”
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Source: Metro
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