David Moyes, Johan Bakayoko.
Everton had emerged as a potential suitor for PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko.
The winger has been electric in the Dutch Eredivisie over the last few seasons, and he now seems destined to be moving to a new club this summer.
Everton were keen to sign Bakayoko, but have faced heavy competition from the likes of RB Leipzig, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.
The Belgian international has not travelled to PSV’s pre-season training camp in Germany, and it now looks as though his next club will be confirmed imminently.
David Moyes Everton
David Moyes was keen on Bakayoko (Credit: Imago)
Bakayoko agrees to join RB Leipzig
Everton are one of several clubs to have made contact over a potential move for Bakayoko, but it seems likely that their efforts to land the 22-year-old will fall by the wayside.
RB Leipzig are understood to have reached an agreement to sign the wideman, with the Bundesliga side set to pay PSV a package worth £19million, according to Fabrizio Romano via X (14 July).
David Moyes and Co. appear to have missed out on their target on this occasion, but from the player’s perspective, it is certainly an attractive move.
Ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that Bakayoko will be taking a jump to the next level by joining Leipzig, and that it could prepare him for a Premier League move later in his career.
“I’m not surprised he (Bakayoko) is joining Leipzig,” King said.
“That’s not a bad team to join, and it’s a good step up for him in his career. This could prepare him to make a move to the Premier League further down the line.
“Leipzig challenge toward the top of the Bundesliga, and it could be a good stepping stone.”
Bakayoko chase highlights Everton’s improvement
It has become clear that The Friedkin Group have big ambitions for Everton since their takeover back in December.
The new regime has only been in place for a matter of months, but it is a promising sign that they are already competing in the transfer market with a side such as RB Leipzig, who have become a regular feature in European competitions.
The Toffees have ultimately lost out this time around, but the improvement that they have made under Moyes and The Friedkins is clear to see.
If the Merseysiders can continue on their current trajectory, they could easily become a force to be reckoned with over the next few years.
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