After the end of last season, multiple reports in Germany have suggested that Bayern Munich are looking to improve options in the attack. A wide player is on the agenda for the German club after the departure of Douglas Costa after his loan spell came to an end. The reports in Netherlands suggest that Die Roten is looking at Eredivisie to address this position.
According to Voetball International, Rekordmeister has initiated contact with the agents of PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo. This report does confirm that there has been no contact between clubs with PSV looking for a fee close to €30 million for the young winger. French clubs such as Lyon, Marseille, and Lille are also interested in 22-year-old winger.
Cody Gakpo largely played as number ten or left winger for PSV Eindhoven during last season. The Dutch winger managed eight goals and four assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for PSV last season. He was also part of the Dutch squad for Euro 2020, making one appearance from the bench. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
PSV are in a strong position to demand a significant fee for the young winger. His current contract at the Dutch club ends in 2025. With interest from multiple clubs, PSV will be hoping to extract a good fee for Gakpo.
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Die Roten is unlikely to spend such an amount on a forward this summer. The club hierarchy has consistently admitted in public that the budget for transfers is tight this summer due to the pandemic. Club President Herbert Hainer confirmed this week that Rekordmeister have losses worth €150 million due to the pandemic.
Gakpo will be initially used as a squad option for Die Roten if this transfer goes ahead. The youngster will have to compete with Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, and Serge Gnabry in wider positions. Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller can also operate in wide positions, but they are at their best in central positions.
Going by this report from the Netherlands, it does look like Gakpo is part of a contingency plan for the attacking signing this summer. Considering the age and potential of the player, it could be a smart acquisition, provided the transfer fee is lower than the reported €30 million mark.
Rekordmeister have also been linked with Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, the youngster is looking likely to stay in London at least for next season. Die Roten may test Chelsea’s resolve since the English club has numerous wide players. Cody Gakpo could be the backup target for Die Roten if Hudson-Odoi remains a top priority.