Johan Bakayoko joins Leipzig as a signing to watch in the Bundesliga. The Dutch-based winger leaves PSV for €22 million. How will he fit into Ole Werner’s team? Let’s find out.
Who is Johan Bakayoko?
Born in Overijse, Belgium, on April 20, 2003, Saint-Cyr Johan Bakayoko is a left-footed right winger with a market value of €30 million. He stands 179 cm tall and weighs 76 kg.
Bakayoko’s development path saw him pass through several top academies—OH Leuven, Club Brugge, Mechelen, and Anderlecht—before making the move to PSV U17. At the Dutch club, he evolved into the complete winger he is today, known for consistency, intensity, and technical sharpness.
In the 2023/24 season, he played a key role for Eredivisie champions PSV, scoring 12 goals and providing 3 assists in 47 appearances. Thanks to his growing influence and standout metrics, RB Leipzig have now secured his services for €22 million.
A Very Active Winger
If there’s one word that defines Johan Bakayoko, it’s activity. He’s a winger who doesn’t just stay wide and wait—he combines in midfield, drops deep to receive, stretches play on the flank, and takes on defenders with confidence.
His most notable strength is his effectiveness in attacking actions: he averages 8.16 successful attacking actions per 90 minutes. He ranks highly among wingers in terms of both volume and success in dribbling.
Bakayoko attempts nearly 10 dribbles per game, with a 52% success rate—making him the fifth-most frequent dribbler and seventh-most effective across Europe’s top seven leagues. He’s also strong in offensive duels, completing 41% of them, thanks to his agility and quick acceleration.
Despite not being physically dominant, Bakayoko is one of the top five wingers in terms of offensive duel involvement. His pressing game reflects the same intensity—adding value on both sides of the ball.
Other key stats:
- 5.21 vertical passes per game
- 1.48 shots on target per 90
- 5.48 progressive carries per 90
These numbers highlight that he’s not just a chance creator—he’s a multi-dimensional attacking outlet.
Room for Growth
Despite his qualities, Bakayoko only ranked as the 16th best winger in the Eredivisie last season, mainly due to irregular playing time. He made 22 substitute appearances, often rotated out following tactical adjustments by coach Peter Bosz and the rise of Ivan Perišić on the right wing.
A Roadrunner on the Sidelines
Bakayoko’s explosiveness is best seen down the right flank. He creates danger with his verticality—through dribbling, sudden changes of pace, and quick combinations.
He frequently drops into deeper areas to help in build-up or receives higher to attack space behind the opposition fullback. Whether it’s progression or isolation, Bakayoko brings a dynamic edge to the right wing.
His primary position is the right wing, where he operated in 62% of his minutes last season. He is expected to continue there in Leipzig—though coach Ole Werner’s preferred shape (previously a 3-5-2 at Werder Bremen) could influence how he’s deployed.
Transfer and Contract Figures
RB Leipzig signed Bakayoko for €22 million, on a deal running until 2031. It’s a significant step up for the Belgian, both financially and competitively.
He will go from earning €720,000 per year at PSV to a projected €2–3 million per season at Leipzig—joining a club that consistently develops and exports elite young talent.
The Best Winger in the Squad?
It’s worth noting that Leipzig currently lack a natural winger, especially a left-footed one. That makes Bakayoko’s profile even more valuable.
In comparison to Antonio Nusa—another young, left-footed winger recently linked to the club—Bakayoko is clearly superior in dribbling, key passes, and attacking involvement. The only area where Nusa holds an edge is in assist rate.
A Successful Signing
Leipzig are entering a rebuild after a turbulent season, and the arrival of Johan Bakayoko marks a fresh, exciting direction.
While the tactical setup under Ole Werner is still uncertain, early signs point to a team that will focus on verticality and individual expression. Bakayoko’s explosiveness, versatility, and high ceiling make him an ideal candidate to shine under this approach.
If he adapts quickly and gets consistent minutes, he could very well become one of the best-value signings of the summer window—and a future star in the Bundesliga.