Johan Bakayoko had attracted interest from a few Premier League sides - including Everton - but an old foe convinced the star winger to snub Liverpool's neighbours for a move to Germany
Johan Bakayoko of PSV looks on during the Eredivisie match between FC Twente '65 and PSV Eindhoven at Grolsch Veste stadium on April 24, 2025 in Enschede, Netherlands.
Johan Bakayoko has snubbed Everton under the indirect guidance of Jurgen Klopp
(Image: Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp is still plaguing Everton despite not managing Liverpool anymore, as he convinced one of their transfer targets to sign for RB Leipzig instead. The former Reds boss, who spent nine seasons in charge at Anfield, is now Red Bull's head of global soccer and spends time working alongside the footballing empire to scout and sign players to their various clubs.
One such talent secured by Klopp is Johan Bakayoko, who's joined Leipzig from PSV Eindhoven in a deal worth around £19million (€22m). The Belgian international caught the attention of a few clubs last season with his performances, making 47 appearances and scoring 12 goals.
Bakayoko, 22, also has his fair share of silverware, collecting two Eredivisie league titles, two Dutch Cups and two Dutch Super Cups in just four seasons of professional football. This impressive return drew the eyes of a few clubs across Europe.
That included Everton and their Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest. However, Bakayoko told the media this week that it was a conversation with former Liverpool manager Klopp that convinced him to snub the Blues for a journey to Germany.
"The impression he left with me was that this was the right project for me," Bakayoko said. "He said they'd make me better and they needed me.
"But the most funny part of it was we didn't even talk about him wanting me to come. It was really about football and what vision I have on football.
"And that was how I was thinking, like, 'OK, so there's a person who's not even pushing me, but just wants to talk to me.' Like even if you go to some other clubs, then it's like, 'You have to do this to adapt better.'
Johan Bakayoko of PSV during the Club Friendly match between PSV v Royale Union SG on July 5, 2025 in Eindhoven Netherlands.
Bakayoko snubbed Premier League football with Everton to join RB Leipzig instead
"[But with Klopp] it was just a free talk where he wanted to see how I am as a person. So I was thinking, 'OK, if someone like this talks to you in these kind of ways, and he wants to build a project and he wants you to be part of it, but isn't pushing you to be part of it, then it gives you the freedom to express yourself.' And that's everything I need. That made me believe it was the right step."
David Moyes may well not appreciate Klopp's intervention, as Bakayoko was one of three stars the Blues had been targeting to strengthen their squad for the current campaign. Manchester City star Jack Grealish became Everton's sixth signing of the summer after agreeing a season-long loan.
However, the England international is not set to be the final transfer to walk through the doors of Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer, with the Scottish boss setting his eyes on more firepower all over the pitch. As one target rides off into the German sunset, buoyed by an old foe in Klopp, Everton fans will be hoping Moyes has a few tricks up his sleeve following a disappointing opening to their 2025/26 season on Monday.
The Blues fell to a late 1-0 defeat against newly-promoted Leeds United in their Premier League opener, after James Tarkowski conceded a contentious penalty via a handball. Moyes was left enraged by the referee's decision to award the spot-kick, which was neatly tucked away by Leeds debutant Lukas Nmecha.
David Moyes, Manager of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road on August 18, 2025 in Leeds, England.
David Moyes will be cursing Klopp's influence as he misses out on another transfer target
Speaking post-match, the Everton boss said: "Look, Leeds were better than us on the night. But the goal is completely wrong. Really harsh.
"It’s difficult to lose on that. I’ve been in and spoke to the referee and they seem to think because you lean, your arm goes away. But you are allowed to lean in football. Tarky would have had to get his arm chopped off."
With the Blues next hosting Brighton on Sunday afternoon, Moyes will be hoping that the club can sort out some more deals in the near future - particularly in the top half of the pitch, where he conceded that the team struggled on Monday night.
Regarding transfers, Moyes added: "The attacking players, we are desperate to get more quality. But let's be fair, it's something I think I've been saying for a while that I'm having to try and find ways of getting that better."