Liverpool transfer target Johan Bakayoko has refused to be drawn on speculation that he could leave PSV Eindhoven this summer.
Both the Reds and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the Belgian international but, when asked by Het Belang van Limburg (quotes via Sport Witness) about his future, Bakayoko said:
“The only thing I can say is that next year I will be on a football pitch somewhere.”
Bakayoko also revealed that he did hold talks last summer with then-Burnley boss Vincent Kompany about a move to the Premier League but he turned down the approach.
Liverpool will have to pay a sizeable sum to sign Bakayoko
It is believed that PSV will demand around €50m (£43m) from potential suitors for the 21-year-old. Based on his performances this season, the Reds may well be tempted to match the valuation.
Despite being still relatively young, Bakayoko scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in 48 appearances. You do have to caveat those numbers by saying that he was only playing in Holland, but it does show that he possesses an end product.
A potential replacement for Salah?
Bakayoko is a left-footed right winger so you have to assume that Liverpool are considering a bid for the Belgian in anticipation of Mo Salah leaving Anfield.
The Egyptian international may not move clubs this summer, as he still has twelve months left on his contract but, if Bakayoko can be brought in a year early, he can learn from the Reds icon.
You could argue that Bakayoko is actually further along in his development than Salah was at the same age and, combined with the fact that there is a dearth of top-quality left-footed forwards on the market, the Merseyside may feel that signing the PSV star now is worthwhile.
