Watch: Fabrizio Romano reveals how Man Utd missed out on Cody Gakpo
Fabrizio Romano has explained how Liverpool have been able to swoop in for Cody Gakpo and what mistakes Manchester United have made along the way.
Since Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford, Gakpo had been heavily linked with a move to the club. Liverpool instead managed to secure a deal and United will now have to look elsewhere.
There’s no doubt that Manchester United will need to add further firepower to their squad in January as they have only scored 20 league goals up until this point. As things stand they are only projected to score 54 goals all season.
Transfer specialist Romano has revealed how Manchester United missed out on his signature: “I know it’s very surprising because Manchester United had the chance to sign Cody Gakpo multiple times. He was close in August, the player gave his green light, Gakpo wanted Man United move in August, but then nothing happened and they decided to wait.
“They were in touch with the agents of Gakpo also in the last few days for weeks for months. We know the connection with Erik ten Hag who is a big fan of Gakpo so Man United have always been there but never made an official bid to PSV.
“They decided to wait and discuss internally before acting on Gakpo on Joao Felix and all the other options they have in the list to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Liverpool in a few hours completed the deal. This is thanks to Jurgen Klopp and this reminds of the Luis Diaz deal. One year ago in January Tottenham were really close to signing Diaz also with a mission in Portugal to close the deal. Liverpool in 24 hours changed the story and sign the player in a very fast deal.
“The same happened with Gakpo, now there is an agreement signed with PSV, it’s a record transfer fee for PSV £37million guaranteed fee.”
The deal will be a welcomed boost for Liverpool who have been hit by multiple injuries in the final third. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are both currently out of action and are recovering from injuries.
Following their 3-1 victory against Aston Villa, Liverpool will have their sights firmly set on the top four. Klopp’s side are now just five points behind Spurs with a game in hand.
Gakpo will add some much-needed competition in the final third and could well hit the ground running. The 23-year-old has scored nine goals in the Eredivisie this season as well as providing 12 assists.
Manchester United will now have to look elsewhere for a Ronaldo replacement as their arch-rivals Liverpool have managed to get one over on them in the transfer market.
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