Manchester United have been beaten by Liverpool in the race for Erik ten Hag’s main attacking target, Cody Gakpo.
Since the summer, United have had a legitimate interest in Gakpo, but after wavering and being passive, Liverpool pounced and quickly sealed a deal for the Dutchman.
News broke that Liverpool were close to agreeing terms for the 23-year-old before PSV Eindhoven later confirmed in a statement that the deal was done with Gakpo on his way to Anfield to complete his medicals.
Since then, there has been outrage from supporters who have accused club bosses of letting another manager down.
A recent report indicated that United were aware of Liverpool’s interest but chose not to compete with them, essentially allowing their bitter rivals a free run on the Dutch international.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reports on this: “Essentially, they [United] They decided they couldn’t afford it this month, especially when there were some doubts about his suitability as a center forward.
“Recently last week, recruiting staff from Ten Hag and United, including director of football John Murtough, discussed whether to pay the €50 million (£44.2 million; $53.2 million) fee. in the winter window, knowing that it would leave the summer. budget.”
“Sources insist that Jurgen Klopp’s team knew they had freedom.”
United explored the possibility of taking advantage of credit lines to finance the purchase of Gakpo.
The club soon changed its position and decided that January is a month of prudence. This gave Liverpool the impetus to go ahead and complete a deal for Gakpo.
Whitwell indicates that the sentiment within the club, however, is that the Glazers would be happy to sanction deals in the full knowledge that someone else will pick up the tab, with an imminent acquisition.
United has now turned its attention to other targets, with an emphasis on loan deals.
