£40 million-rated PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo admits that Leeds United held talks with his agent but he is not demanding a move to the Premier League this summer, speaking to ESPN, via De Telegraaf.
Staying at the Phillips Stadium, Gakpo says, is far from a ‘disaster’.
With Ajax in transition – top-scorer Sebastien Haller is following influential head coach Erik Ten Hag out the door – a talented PSV squad will have their firmly fixed sights on the Eredivisie title next term. Furthermore, with a World Cup on the horizon, a sudden change of scenery would represent a substantial risk for a player who, while undeniably talented, is yet to establish himself as a key part of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side.
After all, it’s fair to say big-money moves to England didn’t exactly go to plan for Gakpo’s PSV predecessors Memphis Depay or Steven Bergwijn
“I can handle (the rumours). It would be better if there was clarity for both parties soon,” says 23-year-old forward.
“My biggest considerations are the upcoming World Cup, and where I can best develop myself. I think the latter is the most important.”
Leeds wanted Cody Gakpo before Luis Sinisterra swoop
Gakpo has been linked with a who’s who of European powerhouses throughout the summer; From Arsenal to Tottenham, Bayern Munich to Barcelona. Leeds emerged as one of the frontrunners recently, however, Gakpo lined up to succeed the talismanic Raphinha at Elland Road.
But the Whites have since turned their attention to another Eredivisie wideman. Feyenoord’s Luis Sinisterra is closing in on an £18 million switch to Elland Road.
“There is enough happening. Leeds United did get in touch with my agent but nothing more was done,” Gakpo adds. “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.”
This comes after new coach Ruud van Nistelrooy indicated last month that he expected Gakpo to stay put.
“He knows what PSV has to offer, how I want to play and what his role can be in it,” says the Manchester United legend, who has been promoted from the reserve-team role to the top job following Roger Schmidt’s move to Benfica.
“It was a good conversation. And, as long as nothing happens, I assume he will stay.”
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