Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly frustrated that the club let PSV striker Cody Gakpo go to Liverpool. ESPN’s sources claim the manager clearly wanted to sign the star during the January transfer window. Gakpo was heavily linked with United before moving to Merseyside.
Liverpool practically snatched Gakpo out of United’s nose. Manager Jurgen Klopp quickly agreed a fee of up to $60 million for the PSV player. The 23-year-old striker is now in England to sign his contract with Liverpool.
Ten Hag unhappy with United striker job vacancies
United never officially submitted a bid for Gakpo. Reports also suggest that the Red Devils were put off by the PSV pay structure. Liverpool were happy to give the Dutch club the fee they wanted. While United were more interested in an initial loan with an obligation to buy Gakpo in the summer. PSV obviously preferred Liverpool’s financial package.
After missing out on Gakpo, United may be running out of realistic options. The combination of wanting a top-tier player on loan, while also being frugal could turn out to be a big hurdle. Joao Félix from Atlético de Madrid is available in the January transfer window. However, the Spanish club are reportedly asking a fortune to sign him at short notice.
The aforementioned report claims that Atleti want a huge loan fee, plus Felix’s wages covered for a deal to happen. This total package could come to around $23 million for a six-month loan. The Portugal international is clearly talented but has yet to meet his transfer fee of over $100 million to join Atleti.
Following United’s 3-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, ten Hag fielded questions about potential January transfers. “I think that we are always in the market but it has to coincide with the sporting criteria and also with the economic one,” said the coach.
Despite the big win, there is a clear need for an additional striker. The early departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from the team leaves a big hole up front for the Red Devils.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
