Johann Bakayoko revealed the impact that Jurgen Klopp had on his decision to join RB Leipzig this summer as the former Liverpool boss convinced his winger to snub Everton
Jurgen Klopp continues to torment Everton after leaving Liverpool. The former Red Manager, who spent nine seasons at Anfield, is currently head of Red Bull’s global football and works across the sports network, identifying and recruiting players from various teams.
One such star secured by Klopp is Johan Bakayoko. He moved from PSV Eindhoven to Leipzig on a transfer worth around £19 million. Belgian International, following his impressive performance, attracted attention from several clubs last year, scoring 47 contestants and 12 goals.
The 22-year-old also boasts an impressive trophy cabinet that won two Eredivigui Championships, two Dutch Cups and two Dutch Super Cups in his four professional seasons. This incredible record caught the eye of many European aspects, including Everton and Nottingham Forest and even Liverpool in the beginning of 2024.
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But Bakayoko told the media this week that he had been debating with former Liverpool boss Klopp and convinced Toffee to switch to Germany.
“The impression he left with me was that this was the right project for me,” Bakayoko said. “He said they would make me better and they needed me.
“But the most interesting part of it was that we didn’t talk about what he wanted to come to me. It was really about football and what vision I have in football.
“That was the way I was thinking it was like going to another club and then they were like, ‘I have to do this for better adaptation.’
“(But with Klopp) that was free-speaking about him just wanting to see how I am as a person. So I was thinking, “OK, someone like this will talk to you in this way and he wants to build a project and not want you to be a part of it, but it gives you the freedom to express yourself.” And that’s all I need.
David Moys is barely excited by Klopp’s interference as Bakayoko is one of the three players that were aiming to boost his team this season. Manchester City ace Jack Grelish became Everton’s sixth summer signing, following a loan deal in the season.
The Three Lions star hopes not to make his final arrival at Hildickinson Stadium this summer with Moys’ eyes.
After encouragement from former rival Klopp, one target heads for Germany, Everton’s supporters finger over the Scots that have some surprises.
Toffee lost Monday’s opening Premier League match in the season, dropping 1-0 with Leeds United following a controversial penalty awarded against James Tarkowski for handball.
Moe was fumed by the judge’s choice to give him a spot kick that was quietly converted by Leeds debutant Lucas Nmeka. Following the match, the Everton manager said:
“That’s hard to lose. I was on the umpire and talking, but they seem to think because you’re leaning so your arms are gone. But you’re allowed to lean into football. Talki would have had to cut off his arm.”
With Everton welcoming Brighton this Sunday afternoon, Moys hopes the club can soon secure additional signatures.
Regarding the relocation, Moyes added: “Attacking players, we are eager to improve quality. But let’s be fair. I think I’ve been saying for a while that I have to try ways to improve it.”
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