World Cup: Gakpo stars for Netherlands in Qatar as transfer suitors circle

DOHA – A move to the English Premier League looks inevitable before long for Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, but his goal-scoring form so far at the World Cup may mean PSV Eindhoven will raise their asking price in the January transfer window.

He has scored twice in as many games in Qatar, in their opening 2-0 win over Senegal and in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

It is therefore thanks in large part to the 23-year-old that Louis van Gaal’s side are now on the verge of a place in the last 16, with only a point required in their final Group A outing against eliminated hosts Qatar.

“Before the tournament, there was a lot of positive talk about him already and now he has shown that he is a top young player,” said teammate Nathan Ake, who plays for Manchester City.

“He works very hard and you can see the talent he has.”

Observers of the Dutch Eredivisie will not be surprised to see Gakpo playing a starring role for the Oranje, who have been crying out for a top-class striker especially with Memphis Depay struggling for fitness.

After all, he is currently the top scorer in the domestic league with 13 goals in 14 games playing on the left wing for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side. He also has 12 assists.

That is after he scored 21 times in all competitions in 2021-22, and his recent form at international level has been equally striking, with four goals and one assist in his last five appearances.

“He is young and still evolving, but he is a player with a lot of talent,” said van Gaal of Gakpo, who played just off the strikers against Senegal but partnered Steven Bergwijn at kick-off against Ecuador, with Depay fit enough to appear only as a substitute in both matches.

Gakpo was the subject of interest from the Premier League in the summer transfer window, with Leeds United having unsuccessfully tried to sign him on deadline day in September.

Southampton also reportedly had a bid of £21 million (S$35 million) rejected, but Manchester United have emerged as leading contenders to sign him in January.

Manager Erik ten Hag is also familiar with the talents of Gakpo, having come up against him when he was in charge at Ajax Amsterdam. While the Red Devils are not short of options on the flanks, they are thin in the No. 9 position – especially so following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure – and, with Gakpo’s goals so far in Qatar, it may encourage PSV to ask for a higher fee for a player who is under contract until 2026. AFP