Johan Bakayoko Signs Five-Year Deal With RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig have signed Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven. The deal is worth €20 million, plus €4 million in potential extras, as per reports. The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract and is expected to add new energy to the team’s attack in the Bundesliga.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bakayoko has moved to RB Leipzig, leaving PSV Eindhoven where he was a key player. The official announcement confirms he’s joining the German team on a deal until 2030, according to a previous update. Leipzig had been interested in him for over two years, beating out top European clubs. Sporting director Marcel Schäfer praised his speed and goal-scoring ability. This signing is part of Leipzig’s effort to improve their attack after finishing seventh last season and missing out on European football. They ended the season nine points behind third-place Stuttgart and just ahead of Borussia Dortmund in eighth.

PLAYER PROFILE AND PSV PERFORMANCE

Bakayoko left PSV after winning consecutive Eredivisie titles in 2023/24 and 2024/25, their first back-to-back wins since 2018. He scored 26 goals and had 17 assists in all competitions over those two seasons. By age 22, he had 18 appearances for the Belgian national team. Bakayoko also played in 25 Champions League matches for PSV, scoring three goals. His departure poses a challenge for PSV as they must find a replacement to defend their title in the new Dutch season after another winger, Lang, also left but to join Napoli.

WHAT NEXT FOR RB LEIPZIG?

Bakayoko joins Leipzig’s squad in time for pre-season training and could play in a friendly match against Meuselwitz on July 19. The team, now led by new head coach Ole Werner, wants to get him involved quickly as they prepare for the Bundesliga season starting in August. Leipzig, who finished seventh last season, will also not compete in the Champions League group stage this season. Their first league match is against Mainz, who finished 15th last season, just above the relegation zone.