Newcastle hold positive talks with PSV winger

PSV star Johan Bakayoko held positive talks with Newcastle, according to reports.

The UK media have all reported on the club’s growing interest in the winger ahead of the January transfer window. But now the Belgian media have ratified some of those claims – and a lot more.

Per Voetbal Krant, Newcastle have held ‘very positive’ talks with Bakayoko’s representatives. The 21-year-old winger is hopeful to join the club. It’s believed an agreement in principle over personal terms is ‘very close’ so the next step would be the two clubs agreeing a fee.

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The Eredivisie club are holding out for €50m but Newcastle believe that he is worth closer to the €30m mark. This marks a steep gap between the clubs. PSR restrictions still weigh heavy on Newcastle’s shoulders and it’s thought that they will not be able to spend lots of money in the winter window.

Paul Mitchell is pushing for value-for-money deals – with it thought that their best options will be the players overseas. Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, and Alexander Isak all came from clubs abroad.

Bakayoko has six goals and three assists this season so far and has previously been linked to Liverpool.

Bakayoko’s future

PSV sporting director Earnie Stewart admitted earlier this year that Bakayoko is likely to leave.

He made his senior Belgium debut at just 19 years old and has shone in PSV’s senior team since the departures of Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke in January 2023. Since then, Bakayoko has been a regular for the Eredivisie giants and his performances have been outstanding.

Burnley and Brentford also tried to sign him during the 2024 January transfer window, but Bakayoko rejected a PSV exit, stating that he would not leave the club mid-season even if €100 million had been offered.