Liverpool completes £19 million deal for Wonderkid, giving them a £40 million transfer boost

Despite Arne Slot’s complete lack of success during his first transfer window at Liverpool, things could be beginning to improve for the Dutchman at Anfield.

An impetus has been given to Liverpool’s long-term pursuit of Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven.

The winger has been associated with the Reds ever since Jurgen Klopp left the Anfield dugout. Since Martin Zubimendi and other transfer targets have either rejected offers or had their deals fall through, Arne Slot, the man who succeeded him as manager of Liverpool, has failed to make his first acquisition.

It seems that RB Leipzig, one of Bakayoko’s former admirers, has cooled their desire, clearing the way for him. The Belgian international is purportedly the Bundesliga giants’ successor for Dani Olmo, who just signed with Barcelona.

But, Marco Rose’s team has since completed their pursuit of Club Brugge sensation Antonio Nusa, who cost £19 million to join the Belgian powerhouse. Since the Bundesliga team’s interest in Bakayoko appears to have ended with Nusa’s arrival, Liverpool may have an easy path to pursue him.

It’s believed that Slot has recognised Bakayoko as a player who Mohamed Salah may eventually need to be replaced. With less than a year remaining on his contract at Anfield, the Egyptian has emerged as Liverpool’s talisman since 2017.

Since the previous season, he has also been connected to a transfer to the Saudi Pro League. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Harvey Elliott are among Liverpool’s current players, but none of them has achieved the kind of success Salah has.

PSV apparently values Bakayoko at over £40 million. Although Burnley and Brentford were pursuing him last season, Bakayoko’s stature has increased following a strong year.

Johan Bakayoko had a successful campaign at PSV last season.

Last season, he made 48 appearances across all competitions, with 14 goals and 14 assists. Leipzig may have all but disappeared from the race to recruit him, but Borussia Dortmund is also rumoured to be a fan.

Liverpool’s need for a new forward is even greater now that they’ve let Fabio Carvalho sign a £27.5 million contract with Brentford. Slot hasn’t added any new players since taking over for Jurgen Klopp.

Slot has attempted to downplay their transfer worries, though, in light of their Premier League start this weekend away to Ipswich Town.

“I think as a club like we are, we are always looking if we can strengthen the squad,” he stated during a recent press conference. However, if you watch both games today, strengthening the team won’t be so simple.

“As I’ve mentioned numerous times, I came into this team with a pretty strong roster, and we will add more players if we can. Only if we believe we can and if it is feasible, though.”