PSV make Johan Bakayoko transfer decision ahead of Rangers tie amid Burnley interest
PSV have rejected a bid from Burnley for Johan Bakayoko and are determined to keep hold of the winger ahead of next week’s Champions League tie with Rangers, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
The RMC journalist reported on Thursday [24 August] that Burnley had tabled an offer of between £17.1-£21.4m (€20-25million) for the talented 20-year-old.
Tavolieri provided an update on his personal Twitter page on Friday [25 August], with Bakayoko now looking likely to remain at PSV until at least after the second leg of the qualifying play-off tie with Rangers on Wednesday [30 August].
“First #BurnleyFC bid rejected THIS FRIDAY MORNING by #PSV,” Tavolieri said.
“As explained earlier, the Dutch club didn’t want to let the Belgian player leave before the second match against #RangersFC.”
Plenty of interest
This is bad news for Rangers – and particularly left-back Borna Barisic.
Bakayoko was on fire at Ibrox in this week’s first leg, setting up both his side’s goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw – the first for Ibrahim Sangare and then for Luuk de Jong.
The four-cap Belgium international was a menace throughout and now looks set to start the second leg in the Netherlands, likely in a front three alongside De Jong and Noa Lang.
Bakayoko has no shortage of suitors, with Paris Saint-Germain having also previously been linked, but PSV know how much money is on the line by reaching the Champions League group stage.
It may well be that the youngster is granted a move away in what would be a big coup for Burnley should they win the race, but only after the Gers visit Philips Stadion.
Hopefully from Rangers’ perspective, Bakayoko has a rare off-day if it is indeed to be his final game for PSV.
In other Rangers news, a European club chief has reacted to “sensational” talk of a move for Ianis Hagi.