Manchester United are the new contenders to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV in the Eredivisie, according to reports.
Bakayoko enjoyed a breakout season with PSV in 2022-23, scoring seven goals in 33 appearances and adding five assists. This led to him being linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, when Brentford were in a position to make a record bet on PSV. club.
Sources also showed TEAMtalk that there was interest from Liverpool and Burnley, but Bakayoko ultimately stayed in Eindhoven.
Since the summer transfer window closed, Bakayoko has been linked once again with Liverpool, Brentford and Tottenham in view of 2024.
Now, Sport1 journalist Christopher Michel has revealed that Man Utd are also ready to compete for Bakayoko’s signature.
During the Erik ten Hag era, Manchester United players such as Tyrell Malacia (Feyenoord), Lisandro Martinez and Antony (both from Ajax) came to the club from Eredivisie teams.
Bakayoko has now established himself as one of the Dutch elite players. For example, only his teammate Joey Veerman has more assists than his 8 in the 2023-24 Eredivisie.
Attention will then return to Bakayoko ahead of the January and summer 2024 move-in windows.
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PSV are estimated to be asking for a payment of around €40 million (£34. 7 million) to benefit from Bakayoko, who has a contract until 2026.
Bakayoko, now a full Belgium international, has spent his entire career at PSV. It will be attractive to see what his next step will be.
Over the past couple of seasons, he has earned experience in the Champions League and Europa League, in addition to his domestic duties in the Dutch game.
With his left foot, the 20-year-old likes to intervene from the right wing to influence the opponent’s goal.
This has allowed him to contribute 11 goals and 18 assists in 64 appearances for PSV so far.
If Man Utd manage to win the race to sign him, he will become the fifth player to sign for the Red Devils from PSV after Jaap Stam, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ji-sung Park and, most recently, Memphis Depay.
Given his role, Bakayoko may be an upgrade over Antony, who doesn’t have as many goal contributions in the same position this season.
But there is still no indication that Man Utd may be at Bakayoko’s head, as he also has many other fans.
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