Every season sees the emergence of a new star winger – and PSV forward Johan Bakayoko is that player this campaign.
The 20-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Netherlands, helping his side ease to an Eredivisie title.
Labelled as a ‘physical phenomenon’ and regarded as one of the best dribblers in Europe, Bakayoko has chipped in with a respectable eight goals and 13 assists in all competitions (stats will change) this term.
He even dazzled in the Champions League as PSV reached the last-16 – notably putting in a man of the match performance against Arsenal– showing he can certainly do a job at an elite level.
So it should come as no surprise that he is on the radar of multiple clubs, with a move to the Premier League becoming increasingly likely.
Manchester United are known to be admirers with Antony and Jadon Sancho flattering to deceive since their big-money transfers to Old Trafford.
Brentford are also another interested club, but are unlikely to make another offer having been rejected by Bakayoko last summer citing his desire to play in the Champions League.
And this could see the Red Devils lose out on his potential signing to arch-rivals Liverpool.
The Reds look poised to be in the market to bring in a new wide man with Mohamed Salah set to be of interest to Saudi Arabia yet again.
talkSPORT understands Jurgen Klopp‘s Anfield exit may see Salah swap England for the Middle East a year earlier than planned, with Al Hilal touted as a possible destination.
Dutch news outlet Voetbalkrant has stated that Liverpool have ‘concrete interest’ in the player.
They also have stated that Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all keeping tabs on Bakayoko, who is valued at around £34million.
And PSV director of football Earnie Stewart has already hinted that he will be sold this summer when speaking to Studio Voetbal in February,
Asked whether Bakayoko will still be at the Philips Stadion next season, Stewart said: “No, I don’t think so.
“What Johan is doing at his age is fantastic.”
Potential suitors are sure to be keeping a close eye on Bakayoko at Euro 2024 in Germany having established himself as a key player for Belgium.
With nine caps (may change) to his name since he made his debut in 2023, Bakayoko is beginning to nail down a starting role.
He has so far filled the void left by Eden Hazard following the Chelsea legend’s international retirement in 2022.
While Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku was tipped to become Hazard’s natural successor, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco now has several options in his arsenal.
Bakayoko forms a formidable attack comprising of Romelu Lukaku and Doku in attack, with Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard slotting in behind.
And it’s Lukaku that the winger credits for him settling so quickly into the national team.
He told Het Laatste Nieuws Bakayoko said: “He’s like a big brother. Together with [Yannick] Carrasco, he was one of the first players to warmly welcome me to the national team.
“Lukaku is a true leader, even verbally. Everyone in the locker room loves him. He always wants to win. This makes it easier for us to listen to him.”
And you can be sure that Lukaku will be on hand to give Bakayoko advice about life in England, with the striker still contracted to Chelsea until 2026.
Who knows, come the end of the summer, the pair could line up against each other in the Premier League,
But one thing is for certain, whoever manages to secure Bakayoko’s services, could pick up the bargain of the summer.