Liverpool are believed to be on the market for a new forward during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool do not need to add to or change their roster much after a successful season.
However, there are a few alterations that can be done to help the first team. If the Reds want to go one further in the title chase under Arne Slot next season, they must solve this.
Liverpool’s attacking line has been a noticeable weakness in 2023/24. Despite being stocked with great – and costly – players, their finishing has been dreadful for the most part.
With questions about the futures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, not to mention Darwin Nunez, new blood is needed. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool has an idea who the solution might be.
Liverpool scouts Johan Bakayoko
Different supporters will have different opinions on what type of forward Liverpool needs to add.
Some may argue that a clinical number nine is the answer we are now missing. Others would argue that Liverpool just requires a more dangerous, electric-type winger who can score more than Diaz, for example.
While it is unclear what the FSG themselves believe, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive.
Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven has been connected numerous times. According to reports on Tuesday, Slot has approved Liverpool’s £43 million signing of Bakayoko. And, speaking with Give Me Sport, Jacobs says that the 21-year-old is clearly on the Reds’ radar.
“I don’t expect Liverpool to change many of their targets, which I would expect to have been in place before they actually finalised and subsequently announced Arne Slot’s appointment,” states the reporter.
“But what we do know is that Liverpool want a wide player; whether you call that a winger, a creative-minded player, or a wide forward,” Jacobs continues.
“It is true that Bakayoko has been scouted, but that does not imply much in modern sport. You scout hundreds of players, but he’s one that Liverpool has done their research on.”
Why does Liverpool want Johan Bakayoko?
Bakayoko has been one of PSV’s standout players this season.
Slot will be well aware that Peter Bosz’s team has performed admirably this season. Their points total of 91 was unprecedented in the Eredivisie. Slot and his Feyenoord teammates had to settle for second place.
And Bakayoko has been at the centre of it all. The Belgian international, a left-footed, right-sided forward, appears to be a natural Salah replacement.
Bakayoko has improved year after year and now appears to be ready to make the move up from the Dutch league.
Obviously, as a PSV youth team graduate, the forward would have a great support system at Anfield. Although Cody Gakpo is a few years older than Bakayoko, the two did play on the same squad for a short time.
