Deal 80% Done: Premier League Rivals Lock Horns in €20M Transfer War

Everton and Nottingham Forest in Transfer Tug-of-War for PSV Star Johan Bakayoko

Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs vying for the signature of highly rated PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, according to reports. The 22-year-old Belgium international has attracted significant interest across Europe, with German heavyweights RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also reportedly making contact over a potential move.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that PSV are “set to sell” Bakayoko this summer and have received at least five formal approaches. The Dutch giants are believed to be holding out for a €20 million package, including add-ons, for a player who emerged as one of the standout talents in the Eredivisie during the 2023/24 campaign.

Bakayoko’s ambition is clear. Speaking previously, he stated his desire “to go to a club that can go as far as possible in the Champions League.” Among the interested parties, only Bayer Leverkusen—fresh from an impressive European run—can offer immediate Champions League football. However, the allure of the Premier League remains strong, and Everton and Forest are pushing to convince the Belgian that his future lies in England.

Everton, under the leadership of returning boss David Moyes, see Bakayoko as a pivotal figure in their rebuild as they prepare to move into the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. The Toffees are targeting a top-half finish and hope that guaranteed playing time and the chance to become a central figure in Moyes’ new-look side will prove attractive.

Despite this, Everton face stiff competition from Nottingham Forest, who secured a 7th-place finish last season and have qualified for the Europa League. Forest are expected to lose Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, creating a potential starting berth for Bakayoko. With only Callum Hudson-Odoi as a senior wide option, the opportunity to become the club’s marquee winger is firmly on the table.

Forest’s position could prove decisive. They can offer both European football and the promise of regular minutes—something that may not be guaranteed at other suitors like Bournemouth, who also maintain an interest. While the Cherries have a compelling project under Andoni Iraola and have shown signs of ambition under American owner Bill Foley, competition for places remains fierce, with the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Antoine Semenyo and Dango Ouattara all vying for starting spots.

As it stands, Bakayoko has no shortage of options, and the next few weeks could prove crucial in determining where one of Europe’s brightest young wingers will ply his trade next season. PSV’s asking price appears reasonable given his age, upside, and top-flight experience, and a move could materialise swiftly if one of the interested clubs meets the €20 million valuation.

For now, the race remains wide open—with Everton, Forest, and the Bundesliga duo all holding talks, and a decision likely to come down to who can offer the best blend of minutes, ambition, and European stage.