Liverpool and Manchester City are both reportedly interested in luring PSV wonderkid Cody Gakpo to the Premier League. On the interest, PSV’s technical director has responded – expecting him to leave in the summer.
Gakpo, 22, has been in sensational form for PSV this season – having a hand in 21 goals during his 28 league and cup appearances. Indeed, since breaking into the senior PSV’s side, he has produced 60 goal involvements.
Voetbal International report that Liverpool and Manchester City are both showing interest in Gakpo – but a move is more likely to occur in the summer. Now, de Jong has spoken out on the potential move to England.
The PSV chief believes Gakpo – although under contract at PSV until 2025 and in talks over a renewal – will leave the club at some point. He name checks Liverpool, comparing Gakpo with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
“Gakpo will of course not stay in Eindhoven forever. He will go to a top club in a top league in the future. Or will that happen next summer? That’s hard to say,” de Jong said, as quoted by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
“If you look at Liverpool players like Mane and Salah, he still has a lot to learn. They are not only great footballers, but they also defend, Gakpo still has to improve on that point.”
De Jong on Gakpo: Liverpool and Manchester City target could leave
Gakpo now has the necessary experience and first-team exposure. He is ready to make the leap – but whether he is good enough to go straight to the top of the Premier League is another question.
The Netherlands international can score and create goals – producing magic out of nothing. He is easily good enough to join a top-half Premier League side. But right now, he is doing it while playing regularly.
At Liverpool or Manchester City, he simply would not start. He would lose that momentum, and in turn, the confidence to score and create. A move to a mid-table Premier League side would better suit Gakpo.
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