Newcastle United have identified PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko as a top target for the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Tuttosport, the Magpies are planning to submit an offer worth €40 million to the Eredivisie outfit in order to lure him to St. James Park.
A youth product of Anderlecht, the Belgian winger joined PSV’s youth ranks in 2019 before taking rapid developmental steps to break into the first team in 2022.
The 21-year-old has been on an upward trajectory since then, getting only better with each passing season. He had his breakthrough campaign last term, racking up 13 goals and nine assists as well as playing an instrumental role in PSV’s Eredivisie triumph.
This season, the Belgian talent has stolen the limelight for his impressive consistency, netting 10 goals and three assists in all competitions. Especially, he has turned the heads of many with his scintillating performances in the Champions League, including PSV’s memorable win against Liverpool, where he found the score sheet.
Having already had 18 senior caps with Belgium, Bakayoko has drawn interest from some of the top clubs in Europe, including Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Juventus and AC Milan.
Amid such fierce competition, Newcastle have thrown their hat in the race and believe they can convince the Dutch outfit with their offer and beat other suitors with their financial muscle.
With PSV already in the play-offs of UCL, Bakayoko’s stock might even go up if he keeps on performing at this level.
How pivotal can Johan Bakayoko be to Newcastle?
The Magpies failed to sign any attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window despite losing Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United. However, they are likely to sign a prolific winger come the summer.
Jacob Murphy has made the right-flank his own this season, seizing the opportunity provided by manager Eddie Howe and producing great performances consistently.
Johan Bakayoko has been earmarked as the player who can enhance the depth in the wings and form the basis for a bright future at Newcastle.
Far from being a finished product, the Belgian international is still a raw talent and boasts a wide range of skills in his repertoire which can enable him to develop into an elite player.
Known for his electric pace and dribbling prowess, Bakayoko is an excellent carrier of the ball, always keeping the defenders on their toes.
Newcastle seem to be right up his alley due to Howe’s attacking brand of football – intense high-pressing, more verticality and punishing the opponents on deadly transitional attacks.
Apart from that, Bakayoko works hard off the ball, be it counter-pressing the opponents or tracking back to shore up the defence.
The Magpies have gained a reputation for their shrewd transfer business under their Saudi owners, and the interest in Johan Bakayoko shows they are living up to it.
With Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon already ripping apart the defenders, adding Bakayoko to the mix would make Newcastle’s attack a formidable unit.
