Real Madrid linked with Gakpo: Good move for the club?

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands star Cody Gakpo.

The 23-year-old forward is in demand after his strong World Cup performances. He impressed at the showpiece event in Qatar with three goals in five matches, as the Netherlands made it to the quarter-finals before being beaten by Argentina.

According to the Daily Mirror, Real Madrid has joined the transfer race for Cody Gakpo’s signature ahead of the January transfer window. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag would like to add another option to his forward line next month and has made the PSV Eindhoven man his primary target, the report adds.

Gakpo, who was heavily linked with a summer move to Man United, came within hours of joining Leeds United before PSV Eindhoven pulled the plug. The Dutchman has since netted 13 goals and contributed 17 assists in all competitions for the Eredivisie giants, taking the rich vein of form into the World Cup and impressing at the biggest stage as well.

Cody Gakpo to Real Madrid—Good move for the club?

Real Madrid need reinforcements up front after Eden Hazard has once again struggled with fitness and form, and Karim Benzema has not been able to hit last season’s heights due to injury problems. As a result, Benzema has missed the entire World Cup, and with the Frenchman not getting any younger at 35, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has to start planning for the future.

Cody Gakpo’s meteoric rise as a player in the last 15-18 months, as well as his eye-catching displays during the World Cup, has seen Los Blancos step up their interest in him. It is obvious to see why so many top clubs have had their head turned.

Although he has spent most of his PSV career so far lining up off the left wing, Gakpo is also capable of playing through the middle and leading the line – something he did well for Louis van Gaal’s side at the World Cup. He will bring pace, energy, creativity and most importantly, goals to Real Madrid, whilst adding much-needed competition within the squad.

At 23, the Netherlands international has a long way to go in his career and could become a long-term asset for the European champions. PSV are fully aware of how much Gakpo’s stock has risen since the summer, having registered 13 goals and 17 assists in all formats as well as netting three goals at the World Cup. The Dutch club have reportedly set a £50m price tag on the player’s head.

A very talented player with massive potential, Real Madrid signing Gakpo would represent a big coup of sorts.