Who is Johan Bakayoko? Meet the £30m PSV speedster Nottingham Forest are targeting to replace Anthony Elanga

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Nottingham Forest are moving fast to line up alternatives to Anthony Elanga, with PSV star Johan Bakayoko targeted as a preferred option.

Forest are expected to open talks with Bakayoko in the immediate aftermath of Elanga’s departure to Newcastle United, which will bring the club a £55m kitty to reinvest.

It’s no surprise that the Belgian has become a top target, given that Edu tried to sign Bakayoko for Arsenal before becoming Forest’s Global Head of Football.

With Elanga set to sign for Newcastle this week, here is all you need to know about his potential replacement, Johan Bakayoko.

Who is Johan Bakayoko?

Saint-Cyr Johan Bakayoko is a Belgian footballer born on the 20th April 2003 in Overijse, Belgium. Growing up in Belgium, Bakayoko spent time at the youth teams of OH Leuven, Club Brugge, Mechelen and Anderlecht before making the switch to PSV to truly kickstart his football career.

Johan Bakayoko stats

Bakayoko made his senior debut for PSV at 19 years old after brilliant displays for Jong PSV in the second division of Dutch football.

This form would only continue into senior football, clearly showing how he’d thrive under Nuno Espírito Santo.

A slight drop-off last season having shared the starting role with Ivan Perisic, Bakayoko still produced solid numbers after an incredible 23/24 campaign.

One aspect that has remained consistent is that Bakayoko has scored more goals than Elanga in every one of his seasons in senior football, which should be beneficial to the Forest squad.

Johan Bakayoko Liverpool

Like plenty of Europe’s top clubs, Liverpool have shown an interest in Bakayoko in the past, spurned by seeing the winger’s devastating impact up close.

After sitting down both Andy Robertson and Jarell Quansah before firing past Caoimhin Kelleher, Bakayoko caught the eye of Liverpool before making a bold statement to the press at full time.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Bakayoko said: “I definitely think that I can join Liverpool […], “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.”

Johan Bakayoko parents

Bakayoko was born in Belgium to a Rwandan mother and an Ivorian father, giving him the option of three nations to declare to play for internationally.

He chose to play for Belgium, though, representing his nation from under-15s level to the senior squad, where he has earned 18 caps.

Johan Bakayoko top speed

Elanga produced Usain Bolt-like pace to score a remarkable solo goal against Manchester United last season, highlighting the one attribute that Bakayoko would need to replicate as his replacement.

According to UEFA, Bakayoko’s top speed in EURO 2024 was 32.4 km/h, whereas Elanga reached 39.7 km/h for his goal against United. Not far off, then, Bakayoko clearly has the pace to adequately replace Elanga.

Johan Bakayoko salary

According to Capology, Bakayoko is currently earning £11,685 per week at PSV. Of course, a move to the Premier League would come with a wage rise, but one that Forest could afford.

Is Johan Bakayoko on Instagram?

Forest fans can keep up to date with the life of their potential new winger on Instagram, where Bakayoko regularly posts updates to his over 200k followers.

Bakayoko’s username is: @johanbakayoko