Manchester United have dropped their pursuit of 20-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko amidst interest from Liverpool.
According to a report by Fussball News, Manchester United are all set to make quite a few moves in the upcoming summer transfer window. They have a long list of potential targets and PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko is a part of their shortlist. But, they will not pursue a move for the 20-year-old, a target for Liverpool.
Johan Bakayoko and his rise at PSV
Bakayoko joined the PSV Eindhoven youth ranks in the summer of 2019. He started with their Under-17 team and went up the ranks at some pace. The Belgian winger made it to their first team in the summer of 2022 and has since gone from strength to strength.
He has featured in a total of 77 matches for their first team and has contributed towards 33 goals. The 20-year-old seems to have taken his game to another level in the ongoing season as 21 out of his 33 goal contributions have come in this term.
His impressive rise and consistent performances in the Eredivisie have attracted a lot of interest. Manchester United are one of the clubs that have been closely following him. The right flank has become a huge headache for the Red Devils.
Manchester United’s right-wing conundrum
The big money moves of Jadon Sancho and Antony have not gone according to plan, while the future of Mason Greenwood is uncertain. As a result, they need a new right winger, and their priority is to sign a young player who can help them in the long run.
While Bakayoko is a part of their shortlist of targets, Manchester United will not push for his services according to the report. They are expected to look for players who provide them value for money under the new part owners. The Red Devils will look to avoid overspending on players, which they have done over the past few years.
The 20-year-old is an exceptional talent, but he will probably cost at least €50 million. Clubs in England can no longer go all out as they need to be in check with Financial Fair Play regulations. As a result, the Red Devils have dropped the idea as they seem to have other priorities at this stage.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also linked with the 20-year-old right winger. Mohamed Salah’s future is uncertain and if he follows Jurgen Klopp on the way out in the summer, the Reds will look for reinforcement. Bakayoko could thus be a great long-term replacement for Salah at Liverpool.
