Leeds United would like to make a fresh move to sign PSV Einhoven winger Cody Gakpo when the transfer window reopens.
That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who does however, say that the 23-year-old could be out of the Elland Road club’s price range, if he enjoys a successful World Cup with the Netherlands.
As Leeds continued their search for attacking reinforcements into the final days of the summer transfer window, Gakpo was one of those the club were heavily linked with.
It was reported that the Whites made a bid of over €40million for the winger, and Fabrizio Romano suggested on the eve of deadline day, that they were leading the race for his signature.
However, PSV eventually decided against selling Gakpo, in what looks to have been a major setback to Leeds’ search for some extra firepower upfront.
Now it seems that while the Elland Road club would still like to secure the services of the Dutch international, their chance to do so may now have been and gone.
Speaking about the possibility of Leeds making another move for Gakpo in the future, Hay told a QandA for The Athletic: “They like him and would like to go back for him but PSV are unlikely to commit to anything until after the World Cup.
“If Gakpo has a very good one and impresses in Qatar, alongside a strong domestic season, I can’t help feeling that he’ll be out of Leeds’ price range and looking for a Champions League move.”
This will be hugely frustrating for those of a Leeds United persuasion.
Gakpo is an excellent player who would offer plenty to most teams, and certainly to a Leeds side who are perhaps somewhat short on attacking firepower.
However, the World Cup that is to come in just a few month’s time is a big opportunity for the likes of Gakpo to show just what he can do on the biggest stage, which will surely attract attention from the top clubs.
That will make it hard for Leeds to compete for his signature, meaning they may need to have other targets identified, and ready to move for in lead-up to the return of the transfer window.
Can you see Leeds signing Gakpo in the future?
Yes
No
