Towards the end of the summer window, Leeds United made firm efforts to sign Cody Gakpo and their sporting director, Victor Orta, made a trip to the Netherlands to convince both him and PSV Eindhoven.
A move did not materialise despite the chief’s trip and the Whites making an offer to the Eredivisie side.
The Netherlands international admitted earlier this month that a conversation he had with Louis van Gaal convinced him to snub the Premier League side. The former Manchester United boss has now backed this up and stated he suggested not join Leeds or Southampton.
“Many players have called me, that is indeed true. I have always ended the conversations with the words: this is advice, you should always stay close to yourself and make the choice yourself. The storm is now over, and I must say that it has been pleasing to me,” Van Gaal was quoted as saying by De Telegraaf.
The national team manager’s comments come just days after PSV chief Marcel Brands admitted that Jesse Marsch’s side made the best offer for the forward. He also revealed the details of the proposal made by Leeds for the Dutchman.
“It was €30m plus €13m, of which €2m were realistic. For example, we would get €6m if they made it to the Champions League. Bonuses are only good for me if they are realistic. This was the very best offer and we all said no to that,” Brands told Voetbal international.
Gakpo has enjoyed a good start to the season, managing 10 goals and nine assists from 13 matches.
