Liverpool and Newcastle United are set to do business this summer if reports are to be believed that Caoimhin Kelleher is headed to St. James’ Park but the Reds may prove problematic to the Magpies’ interest in signing PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko.
When Liverpool faced PSV in the Champions League this season, it was with their place at the top of the table secured. Arne Slot rested his best players and while his side was weakened, it takes nothing away from the way PSV played.
And Johan Bakayoko was a key aspect of the 3-2 performance, sending Andy Robertson and Jarrel Quansah to the shops before scoring past Kelleher, but what did come as a surprise, was what he had to say after the game.
“I definitely think that I can join Liverpool,” Bakayoko said.
“We can be happy that we won against big names, but they didn’t come with the strongest team either. It’s a shame that they didn’t come with the strongest team.
“I’m in a good place. I feel the confidence of the entire club. As long as that is there, I feel good, whether I play well or badly.”
Liverpool and Newcastle United could go head-to-head for Bakayoko
Newcastle United are planning to make a €40million (£33m) offer to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven in the summer transfer window but given their interest last summer and the comments Bakayoko made recently, it would be unsurprising if Liverpool emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign him.
Last summer, Belgian journalist Sacah Tavolieiri reported that Liverpool chief scout Barry Hunter and Arne Slot both approved the signing of Bakayoko and the player himself is now saying he thinks he could join the Reds.
Liverpool could sell Kelleher to Newcastle with the goalkeeper refusing to sign a new contract but the Reds could prevent the Tyneside club from signing Bakayoko with Slot seemingly poised to overhaul his attacking options.
Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have all been linked with leaving Liverpool this week and while it could all be nothing more than paper talk, Bakayoko may be on the club’s list of potential replacements if anyone leaves in the summer.
Anyway, before all that can take place, Liverpool and Newcastle will face each other in the Carabao Cup final on 16 March.
