Keeping Cody Gakpo is PSV Eindhoven’s ‘top priority’ after the Dutch international confirmed interest from Premier League outfit Leeds United, the club’s technical director John de Jong tells Voetbal International.
Now, with Luis Sinisterra arriving at Elland Road last week, you’d have been forgiven for assuming Leeds’ pursuit of another Netherlands-based wideman had come to a close. But maybe not.
The confirmation of Raphinha’s long-awaited move to Barcelona means Leeds are in the market for another goal-scoring forward. And while Gakpo and Sinisterra spent much of last term on the left-hand side, they are both more than capable of thriving on the opposite flank too.
Sinisterra, per Transfermarkt, actually has a better goals-per-game ratio on the right than he does on the left.
“Leeds United did get in touch with my agent,” the £40 million-rated Gakpo admitted earlier this month. “PSV fans want me to stay and I get that. But if I can make a nice step, I think they will understand.
“At PSV, a lot is right for me, so it wouldn’t be a punishment or disaster to stay here. In the end I will have to make the decision.”
Could Cody Gakpo replace Raphinha at Leeds United?
Could Leeds be about to step up their pursuit of the explosive, unpredictable Netherlands international? Charles de Ketelaere appears to be on his way to AC Milan, meaning Victor Orta will have little choice but to turn his attention to alternative targets.
Not that PSV are going to let their homegrown hero go without a fight.
“Keeping Cody Gakpo and (midfielder) Ibrahim Sangara at PSV is now top priority,” explains De Jong. “I can’t say how difficult this will be at the moment.”
“We want them to stay and they also know that at the beginning of August a very important period for PSV with a view to Champions League qualification. They know what we want.
“For example, if Gakpo does leave, it will be a very big challenge (to find) players of the same level or better.”
Gakpo produced 21 goals and 15 assists during his finest PSV season yet last term.
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