PSV Eindhoven talisman Cody Gakpo can afford to aim higher than Leeds United or Southampton after missing out on deadline day moves to the Premier League duo, former Netherlands international Rene Van de Kerkhof tells Voetbal International.
Enjoy him while you can, PSV fans.
Gakpo may be staying put at the Philips Stadium until the New Year but it’s only a matter of time before the academy graduate is following Memphis Depay, Steven Bergwijn and Gini Wijnaldum out the door.
But if the 23-year-old was disappointed after seeing a big-money move away from PSV hit the buffers last month, then he’s certainly not showing it. That strangely profligate display against Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers aside, Gakpo has picked up where he left off last season with nine goals and six assists to his name from 12 appearances so far in 2022/23.
And Van de Kerkhof believes that Gakpo, should he make his mark in Qatar, can afford to aim higher than two sides who finished in the Premier League’s bottom six last term.
Has the Cody Gakpo ship sailed for Leeds United or Southampton?
“Without being silly, I think he will be the revelation of the World Cup,” Van de Kerkhof predicts. “He can play football so well. He always plays well against top teams. I can see him exceling at the World Cup and becoming the surprise of the tournament.
“This summer, there weren’t really any clubs that suited him. Leeds United and Southampton… I don’t want to disdain those clubs but Gakpo can do more.
“I don’t think England really suits him anyway. Spain or Italy are more obvious destinations.”
Gakpo, who admitted to talks with Leeds earlier in the summer, is likely to be the subject of further interest in January despite a hefty £40 million price-tag.
Leeds director Victor Orta jetted out to Eindhoven on a frustrating deadline day, returning to Elland Road without the much-coveted forward. Chairman Andrea Radrizzani has already indicated, however, that Leeds aren’t giving up just yet.
“Leeds United did get in touch with my agent,” Gakpo said in July. “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.”
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