Liverpool and Arsenal have had the option of signing a PSV Eindhoven striker after he started pushing for a transfer and West Ham turned them down, according to a report.
PSV started the season with a top selection with impressive players like Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, Ibrahim Sangare and Jarrad Branthwaite. But that core of players could be decimated early next semester. And that process has already begun. Erik ten Hag had been hoping to sign Gakpo for Manchester United amid his electric form for both PSV and the Netherlands. But Liverpool came in and stole the striker from the clutches of Man Utd.
Gakpo has moved to Anfield for an initial £35m fee, although the deal could eventually be worth £45m if certain conditions are met.
Simons was Gakpo’s accomplice in the attack on PSV. It has been suggested that he follow Gakpo to England by joining Man Utd. Earlier this month, reports in Spain showed the Red Devils scouted Simons several times.
Branthwaite is signed by Everton on the Eredivisie side. The centre-back has hinted that he could move to PSV permanently, although they may find it difficult to live up to his rating of him. Furthermore, some of Everton’s English rivals, including Man Utd and Liverpool, have started to throw admiring glances at Branthwaite.
Stay Sangare. The central midfielder cemented his long-term future at PSV last summer by signing a new five-year deal.
However, 90Min are now reporting that Sangare is gearing up for a big transfer later this year. He is ‘ready to test himself in the Premier League’ and has told PSV officials he wants to be sold.
Liverpool or Arsenal can sign rising midfielder for £33m.
Surprisingly, PSV have agreed to his demands, saying he can leave as long as his €37m (£33m) release clause is met.
To secure the potential exit, Sangare’s agent told Liverpool and Arsenal they could sign the 25-year-old as long as PSV’s rating is met. The only problem for these two clubs is that Chelsea and Tottenham are also interested in taking over Sangare.
West Ham tried to secure his signature ahead of these four teams. However, Sangare dismissed the Hammers as he believes he can shine for a side playing higher up the Premier League table.
Sangare is a smart and composed defensive midfielder who is excellent at protecting defences. He has registered more tackles per game than any other PSV player this season, averaging 2.7 according to WhoScored.
Although the Ivorian plays deep, he can also break into his team’s goalscoring charts. He has scored seven goals and provided three assists for PSV this season.
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has strong links with the Prem after spending five years at Man Utd, has already admitted Sangare could move on.
“Obviously he can handle [the Premier League],” Van Nistelrooy said in an interview with Voetbal International. “I challenged him because I think Ibrahim can win in England. He would also be great in Italy or Spain. “I see players there at his position now and I think Ibrahim will definitely try at that level.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are in a strong position to beat Man Utd and Tottenham against a talented defender, according to Friday’s Euro Paper Talk.