Liverpool will not launch the offensive to sign Johan Bakayoko this summer unless Mohamed Salah seals a late move away from the Merseyside club.
According to a report by Football Insider, Johan Bakayoko is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds have closely monitored the progress of the PSV Eindhoven for a long time, with the Dutch outfit demanding around £35 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window. However, the Reds are unwilling to meet his asking price, and they will only make a bid if Mohamed Salah leaves.
The rise of Johan Bakayoko
Johan Bakayoko has gone from strength to strength since joining PSV Eindhoven from Anderlecht in July 2019. A native of Overijse, he spent most of his formative years in Belgium, passing through the academies at four clubs. However, he graduated from the youth division at PSV Eindhoven.
The 21-year-old has been a solid performer for PSV Eindhoven in the last few seasons and enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign. Bakayoko has turned out 87 times thus far for the Eredivisie giants while chipping in with 22 goals and 20 assists.
Meanwhile, Johan Bakayoko’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Liverpool. In addition, the youngster’s exploits have helped him break into his national side, and the Belgian international represented the Red Devils at UEFA Euro 2024.
Premier League beckons?
Liverpool’s interest in Johan Bakayoko is understandable. The Reds view the young winger as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose long-term future at the Merseyside club has been under a cloud of uncertainty in the last 12 months. The latest update has revealed that Liverpool will only launch the offensive to land the PSV Eindhoven attacker if Salah leaves.
However, a move will not see the light of day if Salah remains at Anfield beyond the summer transfer window. In addition, Liverpool will unlikely agree to meet PSV Eindhoven’s asking price of £35 million.
So, Bakayoko will likely remain at PSV Eindhoven for another season despite his game-changing displays for the Eredivisie outfit. It will be interesting to see if he becomes a top target for Liverpool anytime soon, especially if Salah ends his legendary stint with the Reds.
