Cody Gakpo lighting up the World Cup – what’s next for the promising talent?

It would be unfair to say that Cody Gakpo was an entirely unknown entity prior to the World Cup kicking off in Qatar last month. He is 23 years old and has played over 150 games for PSV Eindhoven after all, but there’s no doubt that the tournament has helped his stock rise massively and made more people aware of his talent globally.
Not only that, but the World Cup has also allowed the top clubs in Europe to keep a close eye on the forward — and he has surely impressed any potential suitors waiting in the ranks to make a move for his sought-after signature in January, scoring against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar in each of the Netherlands’ three group games to add his name to a select list of players who have achieved the same feat.

Gakpo has, thus far, kept his cards close to his chest when constantly quizzed by journalists about his domestic future — repeatedly claiming that his sole focus was on representing his nation in the Middle East. But with the winter transfer window opening on January 1, his days in Eindhoven look numbered.
So, without further ado, read on as we take a look at some of his reported options.

Manchester United
The favourites to land the 23-year-old on this page, Manchester United, had a Dutch football-led transformation in the summer — with Netherlands native Erik ten Hag taking the managerial role and bringing in Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia from the Eredivisie. Gakpo was expected to make it four signings in one window from the Dutch top flight, but the Red Devils’ hierarchy failed to get the deal over the line — and they could be left to rue that missed opportunity, as the forward has added millions to his price tag after his performances in Qatar. There’s a space in the Old Trafford dressing room ready for someone like Gakpo to occupy, however, as Cristiano Ronaldo has been sacked by Man United after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan hit the headlines just before the World Cup.

Chelsea
One of the other favourites with the bookmakers to be in the running for Gakpo’s signature, Chelsea could do with a set of new legs out wide — as former United States Men’s National Team captain Christian Pulisic and Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech aren’t exactly lighting Stamford Bridge up with dazzling performances at club level for the Blues. In fact, Chelsea have lacked any real quality on the flanks since Eden Hazard departed for Real Madrid in 2019. Gakpo, who has nine goals and 12 assists in the league for PSV this season, could be exactly what Graham Potter needs to take his side to the next level. However, Todd Boehly and the Chelsea chiefs would likely need to offload one of those aforementioned wingers before they think about bringing another wide player.

Arsenal
From west to north London now, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is faced with an injury headache after Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury in Qatar — which resulted in the 25-year-old leaving the Selecao fold and returning to England to receive surgery on the damage. With no timeframe set for Jesus’ return, that leaves the Gunners in a tricky situation — as Eddie Nketiah is the Spaniard’s only other striking option. Arteta will surely be badgering sporting director Edu to make the funds available to bring someone in in January, and Gakpo has made a good case for himself.