Jurgen Klopp has reportedly endorsed Liverpool’s pursuit of PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.
According to TEAMTalk, Klopp has suggested Bakayoko to Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group. The 20-year-old has been making waves in the Eredivisie with PSV, tallying 13 assists and six goals in 33 appearances across various competitions this season.
Liverpool has been exploring options for wingers amid uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield. Despite a rejected £150 million bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer, Salah remains a target, as reported by The Guardian.
While Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich and Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad have been considered as potential replacements for Salah, Klopp believes Bakayoko is the ideal candidate.
Bakayoko seems destined to leave PSV in the upcoming summer transfer window, with club director Ernie Stewart acknowledging the likelihood in an interview with Dutch outlet Voetbalkrant:
“I don’t think Bakayoko will still play at PSV next season. It’s unbelievable what Johan does for someone his age. He’s played 30 great games in the past few months. At PSV and at the [Belgium national team].”
The Belgian international, capped nine times, is expected to command a fee of around €40 million (£34 million). Known for his electrifying pace, exceptional vision, and relentless attacking, Bakayoko has caught the attention of several top clubs.
However, Liverpool may face competition from Manchester United, with reports suggesting that Bakayoko has been added to their transfer wishlist as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to bolster the team’s attacking options.
United could experience significant changes in the upcoming summer, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are poised to assume control of the club’s sporting operations pending the approval of their purchase of a 25% minority ownership stake.
