Will Manchester United pay price for not signing Cody Gakpo in summer?

Manchester United fans are watching Cody Gakpo’s World Cup performance with one eye open.

Manchester United fans are livid at the moment. Some fans would be even furious at their club’s directors for not snapping up Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window. The red-hot form of Gakpo in the World Cup would cause his prices to go up, as well as the number of suitors.

In Qatar, the 23-year-old is raising the fans’ and scouts’ eyebrows with his pace, versatility and eye for the goal. He has already scored two goals in two games in the quadrennial event. Both goals have been vital in Netherlands’ campaign so far in FIFA World Cup 2022.

Cody Gakpo to Manchester United: A missed chance!

In the 2022 transfer window, Manchester United struggled to close the deals. Initially, they were behind Frenkie de Jong for whom the club could not reach a conclusion over the transfer price. Manchester United had only two deals concluded when the Premier League 2022/23 season started. The Old Trafford outfit had signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax and Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord for a transfer price, whereas Christian Eriksen was on a Bosman transfer.

After shipping six goals in two games, the Premier league outfit came under fans’ scrutiny. Manchester United signed Casemiro from Real Madrid and Antony from Ajax for a record fee after a poor start.

Antony cost Red Devils £84 million, which postponed their plans to sign Cody Gakpo. Despite having an agreement with the player, the club did not submit the bid. In an interview, Gakpo said:

"I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United. In the end, the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club(Via: GOAL)"

Cody Gakpo in the 2022/23 season:

Gakpo is having a great season for PSV Eindhoven. The Netherlands’ international has bagged nine goals and 12 assists in 14 games. In the Dutch top flight, the player has an average of 3.92 shots per game. Even in his European adventure, the player has already bagged 6 G/A in five games.

The versatile forward scored 12 goals and 12 assists in 27 games in the 2021/22 season. Only an injury can stop him from breaking his previous records, as he has almost closed down on his last season’s targets.

(Stats via fbref)

Can Manchester United still make up for their mistake?

Despite creating chances, the Old Manchester outfit is struggling to find goals. In the absence of Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, the English Premier League club has not found the back of the net often. Though they had Cristiano Ronaldo playing up top in a few games, the poor form as well as lack of pace made life difficult for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United.

However, the chance is served on a platter for Manchester United. The club will save close to 17 million dollars as a result of the departure of Ronaldo. Though Gakpo won’t come cheap, Manchester United can use their financial might as well as charisma to lure in people. According to journalists, the 23-year-old would cost €60 million. If they don’t do it in winter, Gakpo might not end up at Manchester United in 2023 summer.

How much would Manchester United have to pay for Cody Gakpo? Have your say below!