Cody Gakpo to Man Utd could be bad news for three players

Manchester United appear to be getting closer to the signing of Cody Gakpo after the Dutch international emerged as Erik ten Hag’s top target for the January transfer window. The 23-year-old would arrive as a replacement for the outgoing Cristiano Ronaldo after his acrimonious exit. Here Express Sport looks at all the latest including who could be set to lose out from his arrival, his potential shirt number and cost.

Bad news for three stars

Gakpo’s arrival could be bad news for Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho as the trio may find their game time reduced following his arrival. The smart money would be on the Dutchman lining up alongside Marcus Rashford and Antony given their form over the course of the year while Anthony Martial will also fancy his chances after his return to fitness. 

Sancho has found himself out of the lineup in recent weeks following a drop-off in performance levels and issues with injury. Meanwhile, Elanga and Garnacho are both towards the start of their careers and will benefit from as much game time as possible. 

Gakpo’s arrival will push all three further down the pecking order given he is comfortable through the middle or on either wing and can play in any position in Ten Hag’s frontline. The trio will need to put in even more work on the training field as they seek to earn a place in the starting lineup. 

READ MORE: Man Utd duo seal own fate after going through motions in disastrous Cadiz friendly cameos

Cost 

Gakpo will cost around £43million according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano with a ‘serious chance’ he could arrive in January should it be met. 

“There are also other clubs in the race for Cody Gakpo,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel. “PSV’s original plan was to let him go in the summer and not in January, but now after this World Cup, if a bid of more than €50m will arrive, there is a chance for Gakpo to leave in January, and I’m told there is a very serious chance.”