Leeds United are now unlikely to sign PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo in January, according to the Athletic. Reports from the Daily Mirror over the weekend indicated that the Whites were the favourites to land his signature in the upcoming window after agreeing personal terms with the player.
While the Athletic do state that the two clubs had come close to an agreement in recent weeks, Gakpo’s expectations have now shifted after an electric start to the season. The Dutch international has 13 goals and 10 assists in 16 club appearances this season and is quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s top talents.
Leeds were close to signing Gakpo on deadline day in the summer, with Victor Orta even having flown to Eindhoven to secure the deal. However, with no agreement in place, talks are said to have shifted over a potential January switch instead.
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The destination of his next move could rely heavily on his performance at the Qatar World Cup later this year, with Gakpo almost certainly set to be in Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad. Leeds’ interest in the 23-year-old is not likely to go away, but an impressive tournament could win him suitors from some of Europe’s best.
Manchester United and Arsenal were linked in the summer, but according to the Athletic, Champions League holders Real Madrid have been touted as a potential destination. Gakpo remains under contract at PSV until 2026, though reports from Netherland indicated last week that one of him or Ibrahim Sangare will have to be sold before July 1 2023 in order to balance the books.
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