Journalist Graham Smyth recently outlined the problems Leeds United will face in trying to sign winger Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window after missing out on him this summer.
After a fantastic start to the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Luis Sinisterra to name a few, they had a dramatic deadline day as they scrambled to find another forward option.
The biggest stories surrounded their failed attempts to sign Gakpo and Marseille’s Bamba Dieng, with the latter opting to sign for Ligue 1 side OGC Nice before failing his medical – so it is fair to say they dodged a bullet there.
Gakpo, on the other hand, remains a top target for Leeds in the January transfer window after failing to secure his signature this summer. However, Smyth recently revealed the problems the club could face in the race to get the Dutchman in the coming windows.
Smyth told the Inside Elland Road podcast: “A lot of people hanging their hat on Gakpo coming in, in January. If it happened, it would be phenomenal business – expensive business, because it will be midway through the season and PSV can just name their price.
“And likely they’ll face stiff competition because a lot of clubs will be watching him- a lot of clubs were watching him. Manchester United made enquiries, didn’t they, and that didn’t go anywhere; Southampton wanted him. But I think Champions League clubs who are needing something at the midway point of the season… he’s the kind of player that they’ll turn to.”
TIF Thoughts on Gakpo to Leeds…
The 23-year-old would be an incredible signing for the West Yorkshire side as he would almost certainly bring plenty of goal threat with his eight goals and six assists across 11 games in all competitions for PSV – which is twice as many as the respective leaders in the current Leeds squad.
They could also potentially get him for a good price, as he was valued at £35m during the summer amid the links to Premier League rivals Manchester United. This price, however, could be another reason why they may struggle to bring Gakpo in.
He has proven himself to be a hugely impressive young talent and we think he would be a coup for any side at £35m. There is also the World Cup coming up, so if he impresses there, that’ll only see more top teams enter the race for his signature.
Leeds needs more firepower in attack with the injury to Rodrigo and the inconsistent fitness of Patrick Bamford, and Gakpo would be a perfect addition, but you can see why Smyth feels the odds are stacked against them.
Will Leeds sign Gakpo in the summer?Yes
No
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