Bayer Leverkusen leading the race for Johan Bakayoko | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen have jumped to the front of the queue to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Leverkusen are currently in concrete talks with PSV to sign Bakayoko, with negotiations reportedly centred around a €20 million fee.

Bakayoko has already agreed terms on a five-year contract with Leverkusen, further strengthening their quest to fend off competition to sign him.

Leverkusen’s interest in Bakayoko is driven by their need for attacking reinforcements after the departure of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.

The 22-year-old racked up 12 goals and three assists last season, but it was his performances during the previous campaign that put the world on notice.

He bagged 14 goals and 14 assists in 2023/24 and was named the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year.

Beyond his pace and dribbling ability, Bakayoko is also renowned for his work rate and ability to track back and help in defensive situations.

Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Everton have also shown interest, but Leverkusen’s participation in the Champions League gives them an advantage.

The Belgian could be the second player to depart Eindhoven for Leverkusen this summer after Malik Tillman completed a €35 million move on Saturday.

Having previously signed Christian Kouame, Jarell Quansah and Mark Flekken, Leverkusen are wasting no time reinvesting their Wirtz windfall.