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Liverpool explore move for Jean-Mattéo Bahoya amid Frankfurt uncertainty

Liverpool’s search for added speed and directness in wide areas has led them to closely monitor Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, according to Anfield Watch, with the winger emerging as a realistic market opportunity due to his situation at Eintracht Frankfurt. Internal discussions have taken place over availability, profile fit and cost, with the player viewed as one of several January options capable of addressing a specific tactical need.

Bahoya, 20, remains highly rated across recruitment departments in Europe despite limited starts this season. Liverpool’s interest is not new and predates the current window, but the context around Frankfurt’s tactical evolution has sharpened the opportunity. Sources close to the process indicate the Merseyside club believe conditions could allow a deal to be explored at a lower valuation than would normally be expected for a player of his attributes.

Background to Bahoya’s Frankfurt role

Frankfurt’s recent shift towards wing-backs and inverted wide players has reduced Bahoya’s prominence in their starting line-up. While still trusted as an impact option, he is no longer a natural fit for the structure currently favoured by the Bundesliga side. His game is rooted in width, acceleration and one-v-one attacking, rather than drifting inside or operating deep.

That tactical mismatch has not diminished his output. Across limited minutes for club and country this season, Bahoya has already recorded eight goal contributions, averaging 0.66 per 90 minutes. Recruitment staff see this as an indicator of efficiency rather than volume, particularly given the roles he has been asked to perform.

Liverpool’s data-led approach places weight on per-minute impact, and Bahoya’s underlying numbers compare favourably with more established wide players across Europe’s top leagues.

Why Liverpool see tactical value

Liverpool’s current coaching staff have been clear internally about the need to restore genuine pace on the flanks. Bahoya’s defining attribute is his speed: last season he recorded a top speed of 37.16 km/h in Bundesliga competition, the fastest registered across Europe’s top five leagues during that period.

However, the attraction goes beyond raw pace. Bahoya ranks among the Bundesliga’s most efficient dribblers, boasting a completion rate of over 71 per cent among wingers attempting at least four take-ons per match. That combination of acceleration, balance and decision-making aligns with Liverpool’s preference for wide players who can destabilise defensive blocks rather than simply stretch the pitch.

From a stylistic standpoint, he profiles as a natural fit for a high-tempo attacking side that values early progression and wide overloads. Internally, he is viewed as a facilitator as much as a finisher, supported by expected assist figures of 0.21 per 90 this season.

Market conditions and affordability

One of the primary reasons Liverpool continue to assess the deal is affordability. Frankfurt are aware of Bahoya’s talent, but his reduced role weakens their negotiating position. While there is no formal asking price publicly set, industry estimates suggest a fee significantly below that of comparable wide forwards with similar athletic profiles.

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy remains opportunistic rather than reactive. Any January move would depend on squad availability, outgoing business and medical considerations, but Bahoya’s age, contract situation and role at Frankfurt make him a viable target within budget parameters.

There is also an awareness that competition could intensify if his minutes increase or if other clubs move decisively. For now, Liverpool believe timing may work in their favour.

What happens next

At this stage, Liverpool have not committed to formal negotiations, but the groundwork has been laid. Ongoing scouting, fitness monitoring and dialogue with intermediaries will inform whether the club accelerates interest during the window.

For Bahoya, the appeal is clear: a system that values his natural strengths and a pathway to regular involvement at the highest level. For Frankfurt, the coming weeks will determine whether retaining a peripheral asset outweighs the financial and squad-planning benefits of a sale.

Liverpool’s January strategy remains flexible, but Bahoya is firmly on the shortlist. If circumstances align, this is a deal that could progress quickly.