Newcastle United have kept a close eye on PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko in January.
The Magpies and sporting director Paul Mitchell have been quiet in the transfer market, but there still could be activity before the window closes.
Newcastle need a winger before the end of the window due to Miguel Almiron’s imminent return to Atlanta United after six years on Tyneside.
Toon boss Eddie Howe will be short of options on the right side of attack once Almiron leaves. While Joe Willock and Joelinton can play in that position, Jacob Murphy will be Howe’s only out-and-out right-winger.
Howe would usually look to Harvey Barnes for more depth in that position, but he is currently out with a muscle problem.
PSV winger Bakayoko looked set to stay despite Newcastle links. It was believed that the 21-year-old would have cost Newcastle £50m in the January transfer window.
However, a recent transfer update has now suggested that Bakayoko could now be much more gettable for the Magpies before the window closes.
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(L-R) Max Bruns of FC Twente, Johan Bakayoko of PSV during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV v Fc Twente at the Philips Stadium on December …
Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images
Newcastle target Bakayoko’s new asking price
It was thought that Newcastle would try to sign Bakayoko in the summer given that PSR has been a continuous problem for them this window.
The Magpies missed out on Abdukodir Khusanov due to PSR problems despite looking like the favourites to sign him before he went to Manchester City.
According to Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger, Bakayoko is now looking to take the next step in his career after rejecting a contract extension at PSV.
His current deal runs out in 2026, so this window will be one of the final chances for PSV to get a good transfer fee for him. Despite the original asking price, Berger has now suggested that Bakayoko will cost as little as £21m in January which he has deemed as a ‘realistic price tag’.
There are clubs across England and Germany interested in his signature including Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig.
🆕👀 Johan Bakayoko (21/🇧🇪) is looking to take the next step in his career this summer. He has turned down a contract extension proposal (current deal runs until 2026) from PSV Eindhoven.
The talented winger is keen on a move to the Bundesliga. Clubs from Germany and England… pic.twitter.com/xHbMMg3iJO
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) January 25, 2025
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Bakayoko has enjoyed a fantastic season for the Eredivisie leaders so far, scoring seven goals and bagging three assists in all competitions.
Newcastle United January transfer window done deals: Confirmed signings, exits and loan departures for Eddie Howe’s side
Newcastle could use Almiron money to sign Bakayoko
While one player could join Newcastle, another player will depart.
It has now been confirmed that Almiron is travelling to Atlanta for a medical – the 30-year-old is due to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal at the MLS side.
Newcastle are expected to bag £8m for Almiron upfront with a potential £3m in add-ons. As well as the transfer fee, Almiron’s £60,000 per week wage will be off the books – opening up more potential for arrivals.
