Bundesliga
Trained by Van Nistelrooy, endorsed by Lukaku
Johan Bakayoko has joined RB Leipzig from PSV Eindhoven in what is one of the most exciting transfers of the summer 2025 window so far. Read on for more about the Belgian baller...
Stats correct as of 16 July 2025
Age: 22 (born 20 April 2003)
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Right winger
Country: Belgium (18 caps/ 1 goal)
Key stats
After another strong campaign in the Netherlands with PSV, Bakayoko has made the move to Germany, becoming Leipzig's latest summer signing. In his last two seasons, the Belgian has made the right flank at PSV his own, scoring 26 goals and providing 17 assists in all competitions. This form has also led to the youngster earning consistent caps for the national team - 18 in his short career to date.
Bakayoko’s rise to prominence coincided with back-to-back Eredivisie titles for PSV in 2023/24 and 2024/25 - the club’s first since 2018. The 22-year-old was also involved in the club winning successive Dutch Cups in 2021/22 and 202/23. What's more, he has plenty of UEFA Champions League experience, having played 25 times in the competition, scoring three goals.
Plays a bit like: Michael Olise
Although not an exact replica, fans of both players will notice a few similarities between Bakayoko and Bayern Munich’s fantastic Frenchman, Michael Olise. Starting with the obvious, both players are left-footed and play on the right. They also possess fantastic footwork and a great turn of pace. Bakayoko has a habit of sizing up his man, bringing the ball to a halt before bursting past his opponent with his electric pace. He also has a fantastic knack of catching goalkeepers off guard at the near post by striking his shots early before the goalkeeper is set.
Did you know?
Bakayoko was coached by legendary Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy during his time at PSV’s youth side, Jong PSV. During his final campaign for the team, the then 19-year-old scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists.
"I wanted to be a killer in front of the goal. I learnt a lot of little things: going deeper, the way I shoot," Bakayoko recalled. "My shooting was bad, the angle of my shots to shoot and everything. I improved a lot of my killer instinct with him."
What they're saying
"He's already played at the highest level for three years, despite his age. With his power, explosiveness, speed and goal threat, he will enhance our game on the right-hand side." - Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer
"His potential knows no bounds. I believe he has what it takes to be better than me." - Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku
"You could see he really had something special the first time I saw him: one-on-one, move inside, shoot - a bit like the style of Arjen Robben." - former Belgium U15 head coach Arno Van den Abbeel