Following on from Martin Zubimendi’s rejection, Liverpool could do with some good news on the transfer front, and it might have just arrived thanks to PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko .
The Reds are reeling after the move for Zubimendi collapsed on Monday, with the Real Sociedad midfielder choosing to stay put in Spain . The decision has not gone down well among Liverpool’s fans or at Anfield , with sporting director Richard Hughes said to be ‘angry’ after being given assurances by the 25-year-old .
It looks unlikely now that Liverpool will pursue any alternatives to Zubimendi this summer , and with just over two weeks to go until deadline day, it’s looking increasingly likely that the Reds will not make a single new signing. There could be an opportunity to go after Bakayoko though.
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The Reds have been linked with the winger since Jurgen Klopp was in charge. Although there was plenty of talk about the PSV star being targeted earlier in the summer , it has died down quite a bit in recent weeks.
Part of that was down to his involvement with Belgium at Euro 2024, but also due to RB Leipzig seemingly leading the race for his signature. The German club had reportedly eyed up Bakayoko as a potential replacement for Dani Olmo, who completed his move to Barcelona recently.
Leipzig though has now wrapped up a $24m (£19m/€22m) deal for Club Brugge star Antonio Nusa. The 19-year-old’s arrival would seemingly indicate the end of any interest in Bakayoko, which could open a route back up for Liverpool.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri , PSV has only received one offer for Bakayoko so far this summer from Nottingham Forest. The bid was rejected due to the 21-year-old only wanting to move to a club where he would be involved in a title battle.
PSV is said to be discussing a new deal with the winger, although they are conscious that a last-minute offer could arrive this month. According to The Mirror , Bakayoko is valued at around $52m (£40m/€47m), with his stock having risen following an impressive campaign which saw him bag 14 goals and 14 assists from 48 appearances last season.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool could do with a transfer win, and Bakayoko could well provide it. He has been touted as a possible heir to Mohamed Salah, and given the Egyptian is in the final year of his contract now, it’s time the Reds thought about a potential replacement.
What’s more, with PSV interested in Sepp van den Berg – Football Insider claims the Eredivisie champions are preparing another offer for the defender – there could even be a way for Liverpool to offset the value of the transfer. It might be the perfect time for the Reds to make a move.
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