Why Manchester United didn’t go for Cody Gakpo this summer

One of the players who was most linked with a potential move to Manchester United this summer transfer window was PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old winger was on Erik ten Hag’s shortlist of players that he would’ve liked to bring to Old Trafford for this season, but despite all the rumors, he never did.

It was reported by Laurie Whitwell earlier this morning that the Red Devils had reached an agreement with the player on personal terms and were ready to make a bid to his club, but they backed away because of the rising asking price of the player. Initially, he would only cost £25 million, then the Dutch club was asking for at least £45m.

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Another factor was that the new manager decided to keep one player that wasn't initially on his plans for this season. After watching him closely in training during the summer and watching his good performances in the pre-season tour, Erik ten Hag decided to keep Anthony Elanga for one more year and give him a chance.

There were two Premier League clubs that made loan offers for the former Manchester United academy player. It is being reported by The Athletic that Leicester City and Everton approached the Red Devils to ask if the 20-year-old winger was available on loan for this season, but both clubs were told no.

A great decision

Although Manchester United eventually went to the final days of the window and sign Antony from Ajax, who was Erik ten Hag’s priority all summer for the right-wing position, Elanga has proven in the last three games that he can be an important first-team player. He has started in all the team’s three wins so far this season, proving the manager’s decision correct.