PSV’s Johan Bakayoko plays down interest from PSG

Winger Johan Bakayoko does not appear to be fazed by the reported interest he received from Ligue 1 giants PSG, Voetbal International reports

The PSV Eindhoven youngster was linked to a move to the French capital as the Ligue 1 side looked to bolster their options long-term but young Belgian opted to stay at the Philips Stadion. 

Bakayoko, 19, is becoming increasingly important for PSV too. The nineteen-year-old attacker gave two assists against FC Twente, scored against ADO Den Haag and extended his contract until mid-2026. 

“It is good for me to continue. It was a good week,” Bakayoko said after receiving the Player of the Month.

The Belgian is one of the players who had to absorb the interim departure of Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke. A top transfer also beckoned for Bakayoko, but Paris Saint-Germain received no response. 

The French superpower was prepared to put €15 million on the table along with add-ons.

“It’s nice when a club like this approaches you,” Bakayoko responded to PSG’s interest. “But people who know me know that I’m just me. Then it does not do to me what it would do to others. Of course, that recognition is just nice, but it’s not that it changes my mind.”

Bakayoko stayed with PSV and started the last five games in the starting line-up. In those duels, the talent was good for three goals and two assists. 

He said: “In the beginning I had a hard time because I didn’t play much, but it’s good for me to persevere. After the step to the first team you think it will be ok, but then you enter the hard world.

Then it’s up to you. Either you do everything you can to improve yourself and bring out the best in yourself – because you have talent, otherwise you wouldn’t be here – or you give up.”

The latter happened. With PSV, Bakayoko will visit fellow countryman RKC Waalwijk on Sunday. There is a good chance that the young attacker will start again at the Mandemakers Stadium.

GBeNeFN | Tom Phillips

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