Today, PSV’s director John de Jong put some rumours to rest surrounding Cody Gakpo’s potential summer move to Leeds United.
Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring against Wales REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
The Dutchman was a Leeds target the whole way through the window, with reports throughout the summer suggesting a move could be made if Raphinha was to go to FC Barcelona. After the Brazilian’s move to Catalonia, however, a shock move for Feyenoord’s Luis Sinisterra was made instead: a move that, despite injuries, looks to be a smart one.
Luis Sinisterra scores against Everton REUTERS/Craig Brough
On deadline day, however, it looked like the move would finally be completed. Dan James left on loan to Fulham, freeing space for Gakpo to come in, and reports that Victor Orta’s plane was on its way to and from Eindhoven only served to fuel this speculation.
After the deadline, The Whites still hadn’t got their man, with reports stating that Gakpo had personally decided to stay at PSV after a bid had been accepted.
PSV’s director speaking to PSV TV [via teamtalk] dispelled these myths.
“Leeds United’s director flew in and talked to Cody. We received and listened to Leeds, but in the end, no concrete offer was put on the table where we thought we should sell him now… in the end, there was not such a good offer on the table that we really considered letting him go”
That was one half of the story proved wrong: Leeds did not have a bid accepted. De Jong then went on to talk about the player himself.
“It’s hard, it was hard for Cody too. We got together on Thursday morning to talk about it.”
Suggestions that Leeds may try again in January may have some truth in them, as it seems the player was disappointed not to get a move to Leeds.