Johan Bakayoko: Choosing Leipzig Over Liverpool’s Allure

Interview

Johan Bakayoko has been a name in the transfer rumor mill ever since his impressive breakout season with PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign. The Belgian winger netted five goals and provided five assists in just 23 Eredivisie matches that year. The following season saw his contributions rise to 12 goals and nine assists across 33 league appearances. Major clubs in the Premier League and several teams from the Bundesliga expressed interest in signing him. Bakayoko’s market value skyrocketed from €4m to €45m after his first season.

Despite the buzz surrounding his potential transfer, Bakayoko chose to remain at PSV, resulting in a drop in his market value to €30m. In a conversation with Transfermarkt, he explained that his decision wasn’t a reflection of a lack of offers but rather a commitment to complete his project at PSV under coach Peter Bosz. “It was about finding the right opportunity to leave,” Bakayoko shared. “Last season, I had chances to leave, but the club wanted me to stay. It wasn’t solely my decision; I was part of a project at PSV, and I needed to stick to the plan laid out for me. I had many discussions with coach Peter Bosz, who believed that last season wasn’t the right time for me to go. Our relationship made it hard to leave; I didn’t want to let him down, especially since he helped me develop as a player, so I took his advice to heart.”

Last season was Bakayoko’s least productive at PSV, where he scored nine goals and registered only one assist in 30 Eredivisie games. With PSV facing tough competition to secure back-to-back titles against Ajax Amsterdam, his playing time decreased. This lack of output contributed to his market value sliding by €15m over 18 months, from €45m to €30m. Ultimately, RB Leipzig finalized his transfer for €18m, with an additional €4m in incentives. Looking back, Bakayoko and PSV may have benefitted from a sale a year earlier, even though their successful title run was a reward for their patience. “He told me we still had a championship to win, and after that, I could leave. He even said he would help if needed,” Bakayoko recounted. “So, I stayed put to see the project through.”

Bakayoko to RB Leipzig – Contact Established for “One and a Half Years”

It’s undoubtedly a promising deal for Leipzig, who had maintained interest in Bakayoko for some time before finally securing his signature this summer. “For one and a half years, my agent has been in contact with the people here,” Bakayoko explained regarding his decision to join Leipzig over other clubs. “They consistently showed interest in me. For me, it was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. Leaving PSV was tough since they wanted me to stay. Leipzig feels like the right fit—a club that aims to help me grow and reach my potential.” So, why Leipzig? Could he have opted for a Premier League move instead? “It’s hard to say,” Bakayoko admitted. “The situation was fluid and ever-changing. But from last season, I sensed Leipzig was the right club for me. My primary goal was to transition to the Bundesliga. Although I was linked with several Premier League teams, I had to ensure it aligned with my career goals and timing.”

Another significant factor in his decision might have been former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who currently serves as the global sports director for Red Bull. “There was a pivotal moment for me,” Bakayoko stated regarding Klopp’s influence. “Our conversation was constructive, and I left with the impression that this project truly valued me. They want to see me improve, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for—a perfect match.” Bakayoko added, “Our talk revolved around football rather than a direct pitch for me to join. It offered me the freedom to express my ambitions, which was incredibly important to me.”

Additionally, Bakayoko had constructive discussions with Leipzig’s new head coach, Ole Werner, who joined the club this summer from Werder Bremen. Werner is tasked with steering Leipzig back into European competition. “He’s fantastic,” Bakayoko remarked. “He shares a youthful mentality and hunger that inspires all players. Many coaches tend to rely on their past achievements, but he instills a fresh passion.”

Player Profile: Bakayoko’s Style and Preparation

So, what type of player is Bakayoko? He is a fast and powerful winger who primarily operates on the right flank but is also versatile enough to play on the left or as a number 10. In past interviews, he has spoken about his use of visualization to enhance his performance. “I visualize how I can improve from the last game,” Bakayoko explained regarding his pre-match routine. “This practice helps me find solutions in my game and identify areas for improvement—anything from decision-making, shooting, passing, to one-on-one situations. I aim to visualize and refine my skills.”

What drives him? “It’s straightforward for me,” Bakayoko asserted. “It’s about becoming a better player and helping the team succeed. Having a goal and ensuring that everyone around me shares that aspiration is what motivates me.” After weeks of preseason preparation and a challenging 4-2 win against SV Sandhausen in the first round of the DFB Pokal, Bakayoko is eager to make his Bundesliga debut. His first challenge? A match against the record Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich. “I’m excited,” Bakayoko expressed. “I’m accustomed to high-stakes games, but this is a different setting—a unique opportunity to face one of the largest teams in Europe right from the start.”

As the football season kicks off, a few uncertainties remain, particularly concerning the future of star playmaker Xavi Simons. Currently, he is set to play against Bayern Munich on Friday, which doesn’t concern Bakayoko or his teammates. “I played alongside him two years ago at PSV, and this is just how it goes,” Bakayoko noted. “He too was linked with nearly every club in the world, just like me and many other talented players; that’s part of the sport. Sometimes, you get opportunities to move, and sometimes you don’t. Performance brings attention, allowing players to explore their options if they choose to. Xavi is highly professional and everyone is well aware of his talents. I find learning from him invaluable, having experienced a similar situation myself.”