Newcastle United are on the hunt for right-wing options this summer
Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven
Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven
Johan Bakayoko is back on Newcastle United's radar as the search for a shiny new right-winger hots up this summer. Sky Sports this week reported the PSV winger is one of many potential Anthony Elanga alternatives after the Magpies saw a £45m bid rejected for the winger.
Bakayoko is no stranger to the Magpies' scouting system, with St James' Park insiders running the rule over the Belgian at various stages last season. Back then, the club's tricky financial situation coincided with the attacker opting to stay in the Eredivisie until the end of the season.
Since then, the landscape has changed slightly - both for Newcastle and the player. Bakayoko's form has dipped and his price has, subsequently, dropped.
PSV wanted £35m for his services 12 months ago but recent reports have suggested a figure as low as £17m could be enough to seal the deal. Bournemouth have been credited with interest this summer, while Liverpool tracked the 22-year-old last term.
Towards the end of last season, Bakayoko endured a period of limited game time in PSV's senior side and was handed just 21 minutes vs FC Twente, 14 minutes vs Fortuna Sittard, three minutes against Feyenoord and 45 against Heracles Almelo at the business end of the campaign.
Bakayoko then took the decision to personally ask for game time in the club's B team in order to keep his fitness up. Bosz obliged and the youngster featured in a 2-0 under-21 defeat to FC Eindhoven's youngsters in late April.
There is a humble nature about Bakayoko, who chose to honour PSV's wishes to keep him back in January, while his confidence is also clear to see. Last season, as Liverpool's interest was made public, the PSV star openly talked up his chances of a big-money move to the Premier League champions.
"I definitely think that I can join Liverpool," Bakayoko said. "I'm in a good place. I feel the confidence of the entire club. As long as that is there, I feel good, whether I play well or badly. I would not make such a move to Saudi Arabia now, no. I would not do it."
With Newcastle well aware of the Premier League 'tax' placed on big-name transfer targets in England's top flight, it could pay to seek alternative options abroad. In Bakayoko, the north east outfit could land a cheaper option than the likes of Elanga but would be signing a player out of form and with no experience of the English top flight.
Ultimately, a move could depend on whether Newcastle feel they can take the risk in what is such a crucial summer in terms of off the pitch decisions.
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