Newcastle United already held ‘secret positive’ talks with £38M alternative as player wants to join

Newcastle United have reignited their interest in PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko as they seek alternatives following Nottingham Forest’s rejection of their £45 million bid for Anthony Elanga.

The Belgian international emerges as a potentially shrewd option at £38 million – significantly below Forest’s £60 million valuation of Elanga – though questions remain about his recent form and defensive work rate.

The 22-year-old Bakayoko presents an intriguing proposition for Eddie Howe’s side. His 12-goal contribution last season built upon an impressive 14-goal campaign in 2023/24 that first attracted Newcastle’s scouts. However, his dramatic fall from favor at PSV during the title run-in raises legitimate concerns.

Bakayoko started just one of PSV’s final ten league matches, even requesting minutes with the reserve team to maintain fitness – a startling development for a player once considered indispensable.

Behind the scenes, Newcastle’s recruitment team have maintained dialogue with Bakayoko’s representatives since positive talks in late 2024. Belgian reports indicated the player’s enthusiasm for a St James’ Park move, though PSV blocked January negotiations.

The winger’s current peripheral status at Philips Stadion has softened the Dutch champions’ stance, creating a potential window of opportunity this summer.

Bakayoko’s profile offers both promise and perplexing contradictions. His technical quality and direct running style would address Newcastle’s need for natural width, while his left-footed preference for cutting inside from the right creates goal-scoring angles.

Yet his self-admitted reluctance to track back (“I really don’t like tracking back”) directly conflicts with Howe’s demand for two-way contributions from his wingers – a non-negotiable that made Jacob Murphy so valuable last season despite being the squad’s only natural right winger.

The Belgian’s lofty personal ambitions add another fascinating layer. His stated five-year plan to challenge for the Ballon d’Or demonstrates remarkable self-belief, but also raises questions about whether his current trajectory matches such aspirations.

PSV’s title-winning surge without him as a regular starter suggests manager Peter Bosz found more balanced alternatives to Bakayoko’s sometimes predictable tendency to cut inside onto his stronger foot.

Newcastle’s wider search continues to monitor multiple options should Bakayoko prove unsuitable. Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi offers similar attributes with Bundesliga pedigree, while West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus presents a more proven Premier League commodity.

Elanga remains in the frame should Forest become more reasonable in negotiations, though Newcastle’s hierarchy appear determined not to be held ransom in any deal.

The right wing recruitment represents one of the most critical decisions of Newcastle’s summer. With Murphy turning 31 this season and no other natural specialists in the squad, the new arrival must provide both immediate competition and long-term succession planning.

Bakayoko’s age and potential upside align with the club’s model, but his recent struggles and defensive limitations give pause for thought.

Howe’s system demands wingers who can transition rapidly between attack and defense – a requirement that saw Miguel Almirón thrive before his departure.

Whether Bakayoko can adapt his game to meet these demands may ultimately determine if Newcastle formalize their interest with a bid. At £38 million, the Belgian represents a calculated gamble – cheaper than Elanga but carrying greater performance risks.

As preseason approaches, Newcastle’s recruitment team face complex evaluations. Bakayoko’s undeniable talent makes him an attractive market opportunity, but his recent challenges raise legitimate questions about whether he’s the right fit for Howe’s exacting system.

The coming weeks will reveal whether the Magpies view him as the solution to their right wing conundrum or continue pursuing alternative targets in their quest for balanced attacking reinforcements.