Where Next For Johan Bakayoko?

Johan Bakayoko is one of the hottest names in this summer’s transfer window. The Belgian has impressed for PSV in the Netherlands, creating a reputation for himself as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.

Pace, skills, flair, and unpredictability fuel Bakayoko’s game, making the wide-man a nightmare for full-backs.

In the past, the 22-year-old has been linked with football giants such as Liverpool. However, in the summer of 2025, Bakayoko has just one year left on his deal, with several clubs being rumoured to be in the race to sign the Belgium international for a reduced price of around £20m.

Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth are among the clubs competing for Bakayoko’s signature, but who should the winger choose as his next club?

The Rebuilding RB Leipzig

🚨🔴⚪️ RB Leipzig are confident to get Johan Bakayoko deal done this week!

Negotiations advancing on both player and club side with PSV Eindhoven for the winger to join Leipzig project.

Bayer Leverkusen are currently far away from any agreement, same as Forest as @Plettigoal… pic.twitter.com/sIG0UovJWz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2025

Reportedly in pole position to sign the 22-year-old, it was not the ideal season for the German outfit, finishing in 7th spot in the Bundesliga.

Without European football, there have been plenty of rumours this summer, linking away some of their priced assets at RB Leipzig in Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons.

However, with the forward duo currently still at the club, Bakayoko would be a brilliant signing for the German club, creating a dynamic trio in their forward line.

Despite the team's struggles, Sesko and Simons combined for 23 goals in the top tier of German football, compared to Bakayoko, who also netted nine goals in the Eredivisie.

Overall, for both the player and club - Bakayoko's move to Leipzig would fit like a glove, but it is not the only appealing option in Germany.

Erik Ten Haag’s Leverkusen

🚨🔥 Bayer Leverkusen are pushing for Johan Bakayoko, but Nottingham Forest are still in the race and confident in their chances.

RB Leipzig and several other clubs remain in the mix as PSV await offers: the race is fully open.

All the details on @TEAMtalk ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/WVvG79kshf

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 14, 2025

In the 2025/26 season, Bayer Leverkusen are set to be a whole new outfit, having seen a number of large departures this summer.

Xavi Alonso was the first domino to fall, having managed the club for three seasons and lifted the Bundesliga title within his tenure. Stalwart at the back Jonathan Tah was next to depart, joining Bayern Munich on a free transfer before talented duo Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz signed for Liverpool for a reported £160m.

The German side are now in the market for a creative wizard to supply their bagmans in attack – Victor Boniface. Bakayoko could be the perfect man for the job, having reportedly agreed a five-year contract with the club.

In Europe’s top seven leagues, no winger under the age of 23 has attempted more crosses per 90 compared to Bakayoko. The Belgian also sits above 95% of wingers for progressive carries, successful dribbles, non-penalty goals, and accurate crosses.

Playing in more of a wide role, Bakayoko is a different player to Wirtz. However, the creative aspect of the wonderkid’s playstyle and his quick feet presents him as an outstanding option to replace the German.

European Challenging Nottingham Forest

The task we face in this summer window has just become a whole lot bigger than we originally expected.

Gibbs-White: 7 goals, 8 assists.
Elanga: 6 goals, 11 assists.

Over £100m to work with, but a massive blow losing our 2nd & 3rd highest contributors from 2024/25.#NFFC pic.twitter.com/uztSXMrNB3

— Ethan Lamb (@ethanlamb01) July 10, 2025

So far, it has been an incredibly interesting summer for Nottingham Forest. Anthony Elanga has moved to Newcastle, while Morgan Gibbs-White looks set for a move to Tottenham. Off the pitch, the club have also been promoted to the UEFA Europa League.

Without the attack glue that was Elanga and Gibbs-White, Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest are in desperate need of forward reinforcements. Bakayoko is a very familiar player for many at the City Ground, with the winger being previously linked last summer with a move to Nottingham.

Potentially playing alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi on the wing, Bakayoko is not a dissimilar player to Elanga due to his blistering pace that could allow the Reds to rapidly transition from defence to attack in the blink of an eye.

However, all in all, the 22-year-old could arguably be seen as a more talented player compared to Forest’s former Swede - Bakayoko, with over 12 goals scored in both of his last two seasons, including three goals in the UEFA Champions League.

Also, despite having a ‘down year’ for PSV, making only 17 starts in the Eredivisie, the winger’s underlying numbers are fantastic, averaging 0.51 goals, 2.05 chances created, and 2.68 successful dribbles per 90.

Raking in over £100m for the services of Elanga and Gibbs-White, Bakayoko would be a no-brainer for a team like Forest, signing a superb talent who could upgrade their squad for a cheap price.

Young And Exciting Bournemouth

🚨👀 PSV Eindhoven are set to sell Johan Bakayoko as they’ve received five approaches for the winger.

RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have all called to open discussions.

Request around €20m add-ons included. pic.twitter.com/tVVEgyGNAI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2025

Bournemouth are another side that is heavily linked with the wideman, and Bakayoko would be a real statement signing for the south coast side.

A player who has played in the Champions League in recent years and been linked with Arne Slot’s Liverpool just one year ago, the Belgian international is the exact type of player that could push Andoni Iraola’s side forward.

Creating a deadly attacking quartet with Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, and Evanilson, Bournemouth would continue their philosophy of signing talented young players with potential, also allowing for Bakayoko to treat the club as a stepping stone to move to a ‘bigger club’.

Compared to the other two clubs, the Cherries might appear as the least attractive club. However, the ability to become the main man at the Premier League side could be appealing for Bakayoko, alongside playing under a top manager in Iraola.

Since the takeover of Bill Foley, Iraola’s side have seemed destined to qualify for European football, and adding someone with Bakayoko's pedigree would be a step in the right direction.

What Next For Bakayoko?

❌ PSV’s Johan Bakayoko has not travelled to their training camp.

✍️ Both RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are pushing for the signing.

📍 B04 are currently in pole position to sign the winger.

(@sachatavolieri) pic.twitter.com/44LQBa0H2r

— Get German Football News (@GGFN_) July 14, 2025

It’s clear to see that the Belgian’s future is not in the Netherlands. However, in terms of his next club, each of the team’s interested give Bakayoko a different proposition.

Leverkusen are typically the biggest club, having finished 2nd in the Bundesliga, offering the winger a chance to compete at the top level of German football and in the UEFA Champions League.

RB Leipzig are also an exciting prospect, allowing for Bakayoko to link up with Sesko and Simons, making the Bundesliga the most likely destination for the winger.

On the other hand, Forest are back in European football and look likely to spend a large sum of money this summer, while Bournemouth are a young team on the rise.

It’s hard to predict where Bakayoko’s next destination will be, but the allure of Champions League football and a title challenge in the Bundesliga could be enough to sway the Belgium international.