Bayer Leverkusen has held concrete talks to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko this summer, with the player valued at £30 million.
Bayer Leverkusen has initiated concrete talks to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko.
The 22-year-old Belgian star has been on the club’s radar, and new manager Erik ten Hag is keen on strengthening the squad in the transfer window. Leverkusen’s priority is to sign a top-quality right-winger, and Bakayoko’s impressive performances have made him a prime target.
Bakayoko has been in excellent form, registering 14 goals and 14 assists in the 2023/24 season and following up with 12 goals and three assists last term.
He played a pivotal role in PSV winning back-to-back Eredivisie titles and was impressive in the Champions League last season, scoring in the win against Liverpool in the group stage. The Dutch giants could be forced to sell their prized asset this summer due to increasing offers and the risk of losing him for free when his contract expires next year.
Leverkusen’s interest in Bakayoko is driven by the need to replace the departures of Florian Wirtz and Jérémie Frimpong.
The club is looking to identify an upgrade for Amine Adli and Jonas Hoffman, who collectively netted four league goals last season. Bakayoko’s skills and experience would be a valuable addition to the team, and Leverkusen is willing to compete financially with other interested clubs.
Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have registered their interest in Bakayoko, who is valued at £30 million.
However, Leverkusen could have leverage in the transfer talks by providing him with the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season. The German giants can also compete financially with the Premier League clubs after filling their coffers with the lucrative sales of Wirtz and Frimpong.
It’s worth noting that Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche is Leverkusen’s priority target for the summer. The Principality club is open to selling the French winger, who has garnered interest from top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Die Werkself may have to pay around €80m for Akliouche, which could impact their pursuit of Bakayoko.
Leverkusen is close to announcing the signing of PSV midfielder Malik Tillman for €40m. The club’s transfer activity suggests that they are serious about strengthening their squad and competing in the Champions League next season.
