The bullet is through the church: Johan Bakayoko leaves PSV. The 22-year-old wing attacker immediately switches to the German RB Leipzig. Bakayoko has signed a contract with his new club for five years.
Bakayoko came in at the age of 16 in the youth academy of PSV. He developed at lightning speed and impressed the Eindhoven football club. With his beautiful dribbles and assists, the Belgian contributed to the success of the Eindhoven players.
With Bakayoko in the team, PSV became national champion twice, won two KNVB cups and twice the Johan Cruijff Scale.
Special years
“They were the most special years of my life to date,” says Bakayoko about his time in Eindhoven. “I was formed here as a player and certainly as a person. In addition to the peaks, there were also valleys, from which I learned a lot from and stronger.”
The attacker gratefully looks back on his time in Eindhoven. “After six years of PSV, I feel that I am ready for the next step and this opportunity at RB Leipzig is a wonderful one. I want to thank everyone at PSV for everything. We will definitely see each other again.”
Mixed feelings
PSV sees Bakayoko leaving with mixed feelings, says Director of Football Affairs Earnest Stewart. “Johan is of course a player who has given a lot for PSV.”
He continues: “On the other hand, this is a very nice opportunity for him and we heartily grant him. He also forms a source of inspiration for other players from the PSV Academy. We all wish Johan a lot of success and continue to follow him actively.”