Jainil Shah
Man City are eyeing a swoop for Manchester United target Johan Bakayoko
A left-foot right-winger who can dribble with the ball sticking by the calcaneus of his feet as he wobbles and trembles past defenders, Johan Bakayoko is one of a kind.
The commendable performances have got clubs from all over Europe pinging Gerard Witters, his agent, for initiating talks over possibilities to land his services. Premier League club Brentford has previously seen a €40m bid for the Belgian rejected which sets the pricing boundaries for acquiring the 20-year-old’s services in the summer.
Though his current employers, PSV, don’t have to sweat much about the potential fees inbound for their pricey asset as some of the biggest clubs in Europe are lining up for his services.
Manchester United were strongly linked to Bakayoko in January without any conclusive actions as other Premier League rivals entered the foe for the Belgian. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City are linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to a report published by England-based news outlet Metro.
PSV Eindhoven will reportedly ask for a fee of at least €50m-€60m for Johan Bakayoko’s services.
Johan Bakayoko, a United need…
Erik ten Hag has a right-flank problem at his disposal in the ongoing campaign having tried multiple options to failure. Antony dos Santos has been poor in his final action while Amad Diallo has been benched for the majority of the season as United are forced to play Alejandro Garnacho out of his favored position. Credit to the Argentine as he has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and has made a considerable impact on games irrespective of where he starts.
There have been reports surrounding the English media off-late that relays a potential sale of Antony could be on cards at Old Trafford while Amad could force a change of scenery owing to lack of minutes under his belt which could make way for a new face at Carrington.
United’s failed pursuit in January
Manchester United tried to sign Johan Bakayoko in the last winter transfer window without any conclusion to their pursuit. Dutch newspaper Eindhovens Dagblad reported that Bakayoko wanted to continue his development in Holland and wasn’t keen on leaving in the middle of the season.
Similarly, PSV were also not keen to have him leave in mid-season which was the end of United’s push to sign him in January. Moreover, Erik ten Hag & Co. faced FFP restrictions in January which limited the financial power to force PSV into a sale.
Bakayoko at other PL rivals, a brief
Alongside Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City are looking at acquiring Johan Bakayoko’s services.
Liverpool are preparing to walk into a new era without any qualitative loss in transition. With Jurgen Klopp bidding adieu to the Kop, there are possibilities that Mo Salah could also call it a day to his career at Anfield Stadium. The 20-year-old could be aimed as a potential heir to Salah’s throne.
Manchester City acquired a winger apt with direct dribbles from outside to inside while using quick feet and feather-touching skills last summer in Jérémy Doku. The Belgian’s role under Pep has gone on to become more influential with time and it looks like City can pair Doku with his countryman on the other flank if they sign Johan Bakayoko.
Chelsea have piles of players that can make an impact from the right wing but Todd Boehly would love to hoard another talent in their pipeline rather than watch him thrive somewhere else. Cole Palmer can be moved into a more narrow role to accommodate a high-flying winger but they also possess Noni Madueke at their disposal who is quite similar to Johan.
Conclusion
Under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United set up in a 4-2-3-1, while playing an attacking brand of football while loving to control possession and dominating the spaces when they have the ball in the final third. Having a talent that can dribble while penetrating carries into the penalty area to cause havoc to the opponents could prove to be a decisive factor in breaking down stubborn defences and unlocking scoring opportunities.
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Johan Bakayoko is a massive talent who is scheduled to leave PSV Eindhoven and he can become the next big thing wearing the Red Devils’ badge although as of now, Manchester City are stepping up the chase for the 20-year-old’s services.
