Liverpool target rapid 12 goal winger likely to feature at Euro 2024 for £42m fee

Arne Slot will officially take charge of the Liverpool first team on 1 June after the departure of Jurgen Klopp - and the Dutch coach has already begun plotting his transfer business as he aims to improve on last season’s third place finish.

The ex-Feyenoord boss has extensive knowledge of Dutch football and is keen to entice one of the league’s most promising wingers to Anfield, according to reports from Sacha Tavolieri who claims that PSV star Johan Bakayoko is one of the club’s top targets this summer.

Tavolieri posted on X: “Johan Bakayoko considered as one of the names on the table of Liverpool FC for this summer!  Bakayoko’s name has been validated by Barry Hunter and Arne Slot. #LFC like the player since March 2023.”

Bakayoko has been linked with a move to Anfield for several months and is seen as a viable heir to Mohamed Salah’s throne when the ‘Egyptian King’ eventually departs from Anfield. He is a product of the PSV academy who made his first team debut in 2021. He is renowned for his blistering pace and ability to run at defenders and has quickly become a key player for the Dutch champions.

Last term he fired in an impressive 12 goals from 33 appearances and also managed nine assists as the team steamrolled the division. He also showcased his talents in the Champions League with one goal and five assists from 12 appearances as PSV advanced to the knockout rounds.

His form in recent times has earned him international recognition and at 21 years of age he has already made 10 appearances for the Belgian national team and along with Jeremy Doku of Manchester City is seen as one of his country’s most promising prospects.

Bakayoko is expected to feature at Euro 2024 as his country takes on the likes of Romania, Ukraine and Slovakia in the group stage. Slot, who has admired the player from a far as a fellow competitor for the Dutch title wants to make Bakayoko one of his first signings according to FootballFanCast, though the Reds are also thought to be keeping a close eye on Michael Olise as well.

Bakayoko's contract at Philips Stadion runs until the summer of 2027 and there is not understood to be a release clause in place at this time. Reports from Tavolieri claim he is valued at £42m although that figure could increase if the youngster is to have an impressive tournament at Euro 2024.

The Belgian arrival would mark a reunion with Cody Gakpo who played alongside the youngster between 2018 and 2023.