Man Utd's No 1 transfer target given just a 34 per cent chance of moving in January
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Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo has been given just a 34 per cent chance of moving in January, according to a data scientist.
Gakpo was one of the stand-out stars at the World Cup, scoring three goals in the Netherlands’ three group games in Qatar.
Meanwhile, for his club, PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo has been in scintillating form, netting 13 goals and registering 17 assists so far this term.
The Telegraph has claimed that ten Hag’s side will bid £43.1million for the 23-year-old, with the player seemingly open to the move.
During the Netherlands’ involvement at the World Cup, Gakpo admitted he was interested in signing for the Old Trafford club. The winger said: “If Manchester United come I will think about it.”
Do United have only a 34 per cent chance of signing Gakpo?
Despite the player and United’s respective wishes, Gakpo has just a 34 per cent chance of leaving PSV in January, according to Twenty First Group data scientist Aurel Nazmiu.
Twenty First Group considers factors such as age, position, a player's ability relative to their club, contract length, and World Cup game-time to determine the likelihood of a player transferring elsewhere.
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Despite the low chance of a January transfer, Gakpo remains the second most likely World Cup star to move next month.
The only player deemed more likely to transfer to a new club is Ismaïla Sarr, who has a 38 per pent chance of leaving Championship side, Watford.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, has been given a 31 per cent chance of leaving Borussia Dortmund in January.
United need a striker
United need a striker after the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo on the eve of the World Cup, and Gakpo could be the perfect replacement for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
On signing a new attacker Ten Hag said, as per the Daily Star: "Yes but only when we find the right player. We do everything in our power. We are doing research on every opportunity and we do everything we can if that opportunity is there to sign them."
Meanwhile, PSV have accepted Gakpo is likely to leave. The club’s manager - United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy - told the press: "If I have the choice, I prefer [Gakpo to leave in] the summer, but it can also be now. You just know there comes a time when you can’t say no."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Cody Gakpo, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag
