SOURCES: Johan Bakayoko Has No Plans To Leave PSV Eindhoven Until The Summer
PSV Eindhoven have had several top talents through their doors in the last couple of years. Cody Gakpo’s departure last January has left many wondering whether the same could happen in the final days of this winter window, with numerous clubs circling Johan Bakayoko. PSV would prefer to keep him, but when the money of the Premier League comes knocking it’s just as hard for the club to say no as it is for the player.
Manchester United fans in particular have been watching Bakayoko’s progress as they look to find a player to replace Jadon Sancho and possibly Antony. Liverpool have also thrown an eye on the 20-year-old, as well as several other clubs across Europe. Many believe he is the real deal, and are likely to pay whatever it takes to make a deal happen when the time comes.
No January Move For Bakayoko:
We understand Johan Bakayoko wants to stay at PSV Eindhoven until at least the summer transfer window. Any reports suggesting otherwise are premature. The player is expected to remain at Holland until the end of the season, where his future will be assessed then.
Manchester United do have the player on their list but no contact has been made as of yet. Bakayoko is on a list along with players like Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao and Yeremy Pino from Villarreal. The club are expected to invest in the area this summer, but new football owners INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be aiming not to overpay in the way they have previously with the signing of Antony.
Bakayoko’s wish is to remain in PSV until the summer. The Dutch club will not have to worry about any Cody Gakpo-esque mid-season departures for the Belgian, as his side sit 10 points clear at the top of the Eredivisie table at the current moment.
Failed Eredivisie Moves:
The Dutch League has come under some criticism in recent months over how its players have performed when joining the Premier League. Some would say Gakpo is an exception, but Antony and Noni Madueke have failed to hit the ground running since joining Chelsea and Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag is expected to come under fire if he decides to sign someone from the Dutch League again, although it is hard to argue with him signing Bakayoko. The player is likely to cost similar to the £35m PSV got for Gakpo last January, which is a small fee to play for such an exciting player.
Signings like Antony may allow PSV to ask for more than even they feel the player is worth. United have admitted fault when it comes to the Brazilians signing, with the whole ordeal being another showcase of the incompetence that has been living behind the scenes at Old Trafford since 2005. PSV are not likely to be able to pull something like that off again.
Raw Talent:
Bakayoko is a dream of a winger. His one-on-one ability is his best attribute. The Belgian ranks first in the Dutch League for progressive carries and second for successful takeons this season. He also boasts the second most key passes in the division this campaign, averaging 3.29 per 90 minutes in the division so far this year.
With 12 goal contributions (4g, 8a), in the league this season already, this is a player that can create and score to equal effect, and also get the fans off their seats while doing so. The interest in his signature is the least bit surprising, but all the clubs hunting are going to have to wait another few months to land Johan Bakayoko.
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