Two-time Dutch champion with PSV Eindhoven | Belgium international signs long-term deal with RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig have completed the signing of Belgium international Johan Bakayoko. The 22-year-old attacker arrives from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven and has signed a long-term deal with the Red Bulls until 30th June 2030. Bakayoko will wear the number 9 for RBL
Bakayoko started his career at the academies of top Belgian sides, like RSC Anderlecht and Club Brugge, before he moved to PSV's youth team in 2019. Three years later, aged 18, the left-footed winger made his professional debut for the Dutch giants and, in his first Eredivisie campaign, contributed to ten goals in 23 games.
The attacker has also gathered international experience, playing both in the Champions League (20 appearances, three goals) and for the Belgium national team (18 games, one goal). He took part in last year's European Championships in Germany with the Red Devils.
During his time at PSV, Bakayoko became an Eredivisie champion twice, as well as winning two Supercups and two Dutch Cups.
Welcome to Leipzig, Johan!
Marcel Schäfer, managing director for sport:
"At RB Leipzig, we have had Johan Bakayoko on our radar for a couple of years now and have tried to sign him time and again. Now, we're even happier that he's chosen to join Leipzig despite many teams vying for his signature. Our perseverance might just have paid off. With his power, explosiveness, pace and eye for goal, he'll improve our play down the right wing and has his strengths both on and off the ball.
Despite being so young, he has already played at the highest level for three years, put in top performances in both the league and in the Champions League and will be an immediate boost for us as a result. The latest signings are a taster for the new style of play that we're going to be working on in the coming weeks - it will be intense, energetic and quick with young, hungry, promising players."
Johan Bakayoko:
"I'm really looking forward to a new challenge at RB Leipzig. The club has made a name for itself internationally and represents ambitious, attacking football, which is just the way I like it. I was impressed by the way that Leipzig have tried again and again to sign me over the past few years and made me feel as though they were fully committed to me. That and the recent conversations with the management were decisive for me choosing to move to Leipzig and the Bundesliga.
I immediately got the impression that there's a clear plan for me and that I can bring my strengths to the table in a targeted way here. RB Leipzig are a club which challenges and fosters young talent. I'm ready to work hard here, to take responsibility, and want to celebrate successes with the team and with our fans."