Newcastle United told they have to sign £20m star now, he’s got the Ballon d’Or in his sights

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Newcastle United have been told to take decisive action on PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko if they want to sign him during this summer’s transfer window. 

Bakayoko wants to win the Ballon d’Or by 2029 but is coming off a frustrating season on an individual basis at PSV, during which he made only 17 Eredivisie starts. 

Newcastle are interested in Bakayoko as a potential alternative for Anthony Elanga. Geordie Boot Boys understands Newcastle have seen a £45million bid rejected for the Nottingham Forest star. 

Bakayoko has been linked with a move to St James’ Park for what feels like an age. 

Now, urgency has been called for. 

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Newcastle United urged to make move for Johan Bakayoko

According to The Chronicle, “sources” from Holland are telling Newcastle to make a move for the 22-year-old imminently. 

It’s claimed that the fact he’s in the final year of his contract with the Dutch champions means he’s available for a cut-price £20million this summer. It’s also thought that Bakayoko’s demands would likely fit into Newcastle’s wage structure. 

Still, all of Marseille, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are also understood to be in the running.

Last season, Bakayoko scored nine goals and provided one assist in 30 league outings, albeit only 17 came from the start. 

What Johan Bakayoko has said about joining Newcastle United

Speaking to The Athletic in 2024, the Belgian international revealed he could see himself moving to the Premier League at some point in his career. 

However, it’s not the only destination he named. Bakayoko also namechecked Germany as a potential option, which perhaps comes as a boost to the aforementioned Bundesliga teams credited with an interest in the player.

“I see myself playing everywhere, anywhere,” he said.

“I follow the Premier League — I have friends there. I also have friends that play in Germany, so I watch a lot of games when they play.”

Bakayoko certainly looks a cheaper alternative to Elanga and has shown promise while playing for PSV. However, the Dutch league is generally considered a much lower standard than the Premier League, so it’s hard to draw any definitive conclusions.