PSV confirm €40m-rated Liverpool target will be sold in summer

PSV will sell Liverpool target Johan Bakayoko in the summer transfer window, according to the club’s director of football Earnie Stewart. 

Bakayoko, 20, is receiving “concrete interest” from Anfield, according to a report in Voetbalkrant, and is currently valued at around €40m (£34m) with a contract until 2026.

The Reds are not the only club scouting the Eindhoven-based talent with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all thought to be watching closely one of the coming talents of Belgian football. 

Bakayoko has established himself in Domenico Tedesco’s Red Devils squad in the last 12 months and looks set for a starring role at this summer’s European Championship in Germany. 

PSV resisted cashing in on their top prospect this winter and a strong performance at the Euros could drive his price even higher. 

He has played 33 matches in all competitions for PSV this season, scoring six goals and providing 13 assists. 

PSV are runaway leaders of the Eredivisie this term, having only dropped points in two matches and are undefeated in the Dutch league to this point. 

Furthermore, they have qualified for the knockout round in the Champions League where they will play Borussia Dortmund.  

Speaking to Dutch television show Studio Voetbal, when asked if he thought Bakayoko would be at the Philips Stadion next season Stewart said: "No, I don't think so. 

"What Johan is doing at his age is fantastic. He played 30 top matches before the winter break, including international matches with Belgium." 

Bakayoko spent time in the youth ranks of Club Brugge, Mechelen and Anderlecht before completing his move to PSV in 2019. 

Liverpool could well be in the market for new attackers next summer, though the club's true targets may only become clear once a new sporting director and manager are settled upon by the ownership.

It has been speculated that the Reds may be seeking a successor for Mohamed Salah, who remains a target for the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ittihad, famously, failed with a £150m bid for the Egyptian last summer, and with his contract expiring in 2025.

However, Anfield Watch understands that the 31-year-old is leaning towards extending his stay at Liverpool.