The forward rumors from last summer seem to have come true again, but here we are. 

The talk about possible major transfers is beginning to heat up as the summer transfer season draws near. The teenage PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko has been strongly linked to returning to Liverpool, a situation that would thrill Anfield supporters. It’s one of those that could happen but wouldn’t particularly enrage people against the others who’ve been brought up.

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According to an initial rumor from the Belgian publication HLN.BE, Liverpool is vying for the signature of PSV starlet Johan Bakayoko this summer. In an attempt to smash their transfer fee record, the Dutch team is allegedly asking for a price of more than €50 million for the 21-year-old. 

Some fans are rather excited about the possibility of Bakayoko wearing a Liverpool shirt, which highlights the club’s intention to increase their attacking alternatives, according to a recent report by David Ornstein.

GLANCE AT THE IMPORTANT STATS

Johan Bakayoko’s performance in the Eredivisie has been outstanding. Bakayoko, who stands 1.79 meters tall and typically plays as a right winger, has made 46 appearances for PSV across all competitions this season, scoring 14 goals and dishing out 14 assists.

 He recently made his debut for the Belgium national team, and his performance on the international front is similarly promising. Transfermarkt estimates that he is worth a healthy €40 million, which is in line with his increasing stature in European football.

CONSIDERATIONS WITH A SUPER

When compared to Liverpool’s current right-wing wizard, Mohamed Salah, Bakayoko is a promising young player. Salah has participated in 30 games for Liverpool this season, scoring 18 goals and dishing out 13 assists. Salah leads statistically, with a higher xG (expected goals) of 14.4 against Bakayoko’s 8.6. He also has more touches in the opponent box, which suggests that he is a better finisher and positioner. Nevertheless, Bakayoko’s youth and untapped potential cannot be disregarded. Despite playing in a subpar league, he has exceptional ball carrying statistics and is a dual threat with both xG and xAG skills.

LIKELIHOOD AS WELL AS FEE

Bakayoko’s transfer appears more likely now that PSV is prepared to haggle for a record price. With a market worth estimated at €40 million, his current contract expires in June 2026, thus Liverpool may need to make a sizable bid to keep him on board. Paywise, Bakayoko’s move from the Eredivisie to the Premier League would probably result in a sizable increase, in line with Liverpool’s budgetary constraints for high-profile signings.

The problem is that it appears like there are better solutions available in that market. Furthermore, it’s nearly hard to talk about Bakayoko without mentioning the term “Eredivisie tax.” In the near future, we’ll also be profiling him using transfer market criteria. If he is on the list, it wouldn’t come as a surprise, but if he isn’t near the top, don’t be astonished at all.