PSV Eindhoven’s search to find a suitable replacement for Cody Gakpo could be discovered from within their own squad, Voetbal International reports.
Director of football Marcel Brands has gone on record to say that Gakpo – who completed his big move to Premier League side Liverpool this month – the club will explore the possibility of replacing the club’s top scorer this season from within the squad.
Anwar El Ghazi seems to be the main player they will consider from the squad to replace the 23-year-old player if that is the route head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Brands dismissed the idea that selling Gakpo – Eredivisie’s top scorer and assister – will damage PSV’s title chances as they sit just three points behind league leaders Feyenoord and equal with Ajax.
He said: “No, it’s up to us to make sure that’s not the case. Of course we will miss Cody. We will certainly see if we can do something in the market, but we will only do something if it actually leads to a strengthening.
“We anticipated a bit with Anwar in the summer, because it could happen then too. He’s the best at Cody’s position. So we’re going to take a look and discuss with Ruud what’s the most sensible thing to do.”
Dutchman El Ghazi signed for PSV in the summer from Premier League side Aston Villa having spent half of last season on loan at Everton.
Since joining, he has largely been used as an impact substitute or on a rotation-basis making just eight league appearances and scoring three times but the sale of Gakpo could well open up more opportunities for the 27-year-old.
There is still the possibility PSV will explore the January transfer window with the option of recruiting from within the Eredivisie although Brands has confirmed the side are yet to make an official approach on anyone.
The former Everton director has gone on record to say PSV are not looking at AZ Alkmaar’s Jesper Karlsson or to bring back Donyell Malan from Borussia Dortmund.
