Southampton transfer target Cody Gakpo could be worth an 'unfeasible' £47 million off the back of his impressive season and World Cup heroics for the Netherlands.
The Lowdown: Ready for the big time
Since bursting onto the Eredivisie scene in 2018, Gakpo’s consistent progression predetermined his now current status of being a big-hitter in the final third.
Two consecutive seasons of seven league goals paved way for a mesmeric return of 25 goal contributions in the form of 12 goals and 13 assists from 27 Eredivisie appearances last term.
And at the ripe age of 23, the 10-cap Netherlands international has built on that form. That is a total of nine goals and 12 assists in the Dutch top flight.
His performances over the last two seasons arguably confirm that he is ready for the big time, with the Oranje star underlining that statement further with a terrific opening performance for his national side against Senegal.
The Latest: Missed the boat
Southampton were said to have lodged a pre-deadline offer in a bid to prise Gakpo from the clutches of PSV, and with a recent development, along with a talismanic performance on the World stage, the £47 million star now looks to be out of reach for the Saints.
That is according to a report from De Telegraaf, as shared by Sport Witness, who have insight from Saints scout Piet Buter.
As per the same piece, Buter said this on Gakpo: “In the summer, it was about an amount of around 35 million euros (for Gakpo)”
“You can now add at least 20 million euros to that. Cody has become unfeasible for us.”
The Verdict: Ship sailed
Ultimately, Southampton cannot be mad at their summer approach to sign the 23-year-old, because ultimately they submitted a respectable offer at the time.
But, Buter is entirely correct. Gakpo’s value will continue to rise with each positive performance in the World Cup, with his efforts for club level already driving up that sum.
PSV have a superstar on their hands, with his fee rising on an almost monthly basis, backing former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen's claim that the PSV sensation 'has everything'.
And amidst his rapid and consistent development as a goal-getter, it spells somewhat of a transfer disaster for Nathan Jones' side.