PSV Eindhoven director John de Jong has opened up on Leeds United FC failed attempt to complete the deadline day signing of star attacker Cody Gakpo, with Victor Orta flying out to the Netherlands’ to pull off the deal.
Speaking to Voetbal International, the Dutch official revealed that Leeds didn’t make a concrete offer to sign Gakpo despite making a €43m (£37m) proposal to sign the 23-year-old winger, who this summer was chased by numerous Premier League clubs.
Gakpo was one of the best players in the Eredivise last season as the attacker’s performances reportedly attracted the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Southampton, yet it was Leeds who seemingly came closest to signing the Netherlands’ international based on the events of deadline day.
De Jong said when asked about Leeds’ attempt to sign Gakpo on the last day of the summer transfer window: “Leeds United’s director flew in and talked to Cody. We received and listened to Leeds, but in the end, no concrete offer was put on the table where we thought we should sell him now.”
The PSV director added: “I think everyone knows that a club has to make an outgoing transfer every year. That’s in the budget. So did we, but in the end, there was not such a good offer on the table that we really considered letting him go. It’s hard, it was hard for Cody too. We got together on Thursday morning to talk about it.”
Leeds will be kicking themselves for missing out on Gakpo signing
Gakpo was one of the breakout stars in Europe last season as the PSV star exploded onto the scene based on the sheer volume of goals and assists the attacker bagged for the Dutch giants, and as a goalscoring replacement for Raphinha, the winger would have been perfect for Leeds, who will be kicking themselves for not signing the 23-year-old.
Whilst the Yorkshire side will likely be back in January with a bid to sign Gakpo, this summer felt like Jesse Marsch’s best chance to land the PSV superstar, and time will only tell how crucial these last-minute talks involving Orta and De Jong will be in the long term.
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