Johan Bakayoko Set to Join RB Leipzig in €22m Transfer Deal

RB Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven have agreed on a transfer for Johan Bakayoko. The Belgian winger will join for €22 million, including extra fees. Bakayoko is set for medical tests and will sign a long-term contract with Leipzig.

WHAT HAPPENED?

RB Leipzig acted fast to sign Johan Bakayoko, beating Bayer Leverkusen, who were favorites for his transfer. After agreeing on personal terms, Leipzig finalized a €22 million deal with PSV. Bakayoko, who missed PSV’s training, will have a medical before officially joining the Bundesliga club.

According to a previous report, Bakayoko is likely transferring to a Bundesliga team for around €20 million.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR LEIPZIG

The signing provides Leipzig with a new attacking option as they prepare for the 2025/26 season. Last season, Leipzig finished seventh in the Bundesliga, failing to secure European football for the first time in years. Bakayoko, a promising 22-year-old winger, shows Leipzig’s commitment to improving their position. He scored 9 goals and had 1 assist in 30 games for PSV last season, which contributed significantly to their performance. Leipzig’s capture of Bakayoko disrupts Leverkusen’s summer plans, adding rivalry to the new season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BAKAYOKO AND LEIPZIG

Bakayoko is set to sign a long-term deal with RB Leipzig and join pre-season preparations after his medical. Leipzig’s first Bundesliga fixture is away against Bayern Munich, a side that is as difficult as they come and the reigning Bundesliga champions. With 51 points last year, Leipzig finished just outside of the top-6 and also lost in the final of the German Cup, the DFB Pokal. This highlights the close competition among Germany’s top teams. Bakayoko’s arrival gives Leipzig more strength as they aim to close the gap and compete in both domestic and European competitions.

In the previous season, PSV Eindhoven finished as champions, reflecting Bakayoko’s role in a strong team. He will look to replicate that success with Leipzig as they aim for higher placements in the Bundesliga and progress in European competitions.