TeamTalk report that Cody Gakpo was due to join Victor Orta on a plane back to Yorkshire this morning before signing for Leeds United in a club-record £34million move – only to have a change of heart and contact Orta to tell him.
Gakpo, 23, was the subject of a £34million move from Southampton on Wednesday and PSV had accepted a move. Leeds then entered the fray, and were willing to match Southampton’s offer. Making him a club-record Leeds signing.
Orta travelled to Iiindhoven on Wednesday night in order to thrash out a deal for the versatile attacker. He scored a hat-trick on Wednesday against Volendam. He seemingly agreed to join Leeds and was due on Orta’s return flight.
However, Gakpo had a change of heart after agreeing to travel with Orta. It is believed that Gakpo changed his mind and spoke to Orta over the phone in order to inform the Leeds chief of his decision. It sees Orta return, empty-handed.
Gakpo due to join Orta on plane back to Leeds: Change of heart
It is a real blow for Leeds. Gakpo would have been a sensational signing for Leeds. A player that has the quality to have an impact at pretty much, any Premier League club. Naturally a winger, but more than able to play up top, too.
Whether Leeds will go back in for Gakpo, or look at another signing on deadline day, remains to be seen. The Whites have made it clear that they will only look to sign players that they feel are worth it. Charles De Ketelaere, for example.
Leeds do need attackers, though. Rodrigo suffered a dislocated shoulder against Everton, while Patrick Bamford’s injury issues continue – though he did return against Everton on Tuesday. The clock is ticking, before the 11pm deadline.
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