AC Milan’s search for a new right winger is forcing them to scour the European market, and Johan Bakayoko is a name that remains on their list.
According to what is being reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bakayoko is on Milan’s list of targets for the right wing along with Gustav Isaksen, given that alternatives to Samuel Chukwueze are needed with his asking price high.
The 20-year-old is a left-footed right winger, which matches what Pioli is after. He spent time in the youth academies of Club Brugge, Mechelen and Anderlecht, then he joined PSV Eindhoven in 2020 to ‘get closer to the heart of European football’.
He played with Jong PSV under Ruud Van Nistelrooy and had excellent season in 2021-22, with a tally of 17 goals and 12 assists in 32 games, earning a promotion to the first team.
Last season he made 39 appearances in all competitions, amassing 9 goals and 6 assists. In March he also received a call-up from Domenico Tedesco and made his debut for Belgium, getting an assist against Sweden then his first goal against Latvia.
In February of this year, Paris Saint-Germain tried to sign him by offering €15m. However, the winger himself rejected the destination with clear ideas about the near future, extending his contract with PSV until 2026.
“I didn’t find PSG’s interest surprising, I know what I can do and what my qualities are. Others too they recognise. It’s very nice to know about the attention of such important clubs, but I want to stay here and be myself, continuing to grow at PSV,” he said.
Bakayoko is a wise head on young shoulders who knows what he wants for his future, but his comments suggest Milan might struggle to tempt him.
