‘Have to be realistic’: Leeds United still want to sign ‘complete’ player in January, but he may now be out of reach

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Leeds United still want to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in January, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.

Hay does admit that Leeds may have to be realistic about their chances of signing this Dutch international.

Gakpo was one of Leeds’ main targets this summer, and Radrizzani confirmed they were desperate to sign him.

However, a personal intervention from for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal played a part in scuppering those plans.

Hay believes that Leeds may not struggle to recruit Gakpo in the future due to his increased reputation.

The 23-year-old has had a taste of Champions League football this season, before PSV were dumped out by Rangers in the final qualifying round.

Gakpo has already scored seven goals and provided three assists in his first six league games.

If Gakpo is to leave PSV soon, you would expect it would be for a team competing at Europe’s highest level.

Leeds still want Gakpo in January

Described by former manager Roger Schmidt as a ‘very complete’ player, Gakpo has a big future ahead of him.

Gakpo is an imposing winger, with an eye for goal and playing a killer final pass.

His goal contributions from out wide made him an ideal replacement for Raphinha at Leeds.

Not as tricky as the Brazilian, Gakpo would offer Leeds another goal outlet alongside Patrick Bamford.

The English striker’s injury issues at the start of this season would have made Gakpo an even more important asset.

It’s understandable why Leeds still want to sign Gakpo in January.

However, his reputation is only likely to increase in the next few months, especially if he goes to the World Cup.

It would take a massive bid to tempt PSV to sell him, and Gakpo will likely need a lot of convincing too.