Cody Gakpo, who performed admirably for the Netherlands in the World Cup, asserts that “anything is conceivable” about his future at PSV Eindhoven.
The 23-year-old has scored in both of his nation’s opening games, which have seen Oranje lead Group A with one game remaining after victories against Senegal and Ecuador, respectively, by scores of 2-0 and 1-1.
While Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have since been linked, he recently admitted he was disappointed to have missed out on a move to Manchester United.
Gakpo isn’t completely ruling out leaving PSV when the January transfer window opens, even though his primary goal right now is to help the Netherlands advance far in the World Cup.
“Right now I’m busy with the Dutch team. I’ll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible,” he said at a press conference on Sunday.
“I don’t get shy about the rumours. But it’s a team sport, it’s not about one person. I prefer it to be about the team.
“It’s nice things that people write, but I’m not too concerned with that. I’m focused now on the World Cup. I just focus here and do my best.”
Gakpo has been directly involved in 34 goals in 28 games for PSV and the Netherlands this season, scoring 16 and assisting a further eight.
Despite enjoying his best campaign to date, the forward – into his fifth season as a first-team regular for PSV – insists there is still more to come.
“I know what I’m capable of but it’s always a challenge to reach your highest level,” he said. “I’m not there yet; I can improve in a lot of things.
“I know I scored two goals this World Cup. But that’s not the focus right now. I can improve, I want to help the team. It’s about being the best team in the end.”
Gakpo could become the fourth man to score in three straight World Cup games for Oranje after Johan Neeskens (1974), Dennis Bergkamp (1994) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
The Netherlands will advance to the round of 16 if they defeat Qatar on Tuesday; however, a loss could also be enough if Ecuador defeats Senegal.
They have scored 11 goals and let up only one in their four World Cup victories over Asian opponents.