Denial of Italy move fuels uncertainty for Red Devil Bakayoko

In a bustling Leipzig office, Johan Bakayoko, the 23‑year‑old Belgian Red Devil, was told there is no ongoing negotiation with an Italian club and his price would exceed €20 million, despite rumours of a loan to Fiorentina. The club confirmed his contract runs until June 2030, meaning he is not obliged to leave.

Receive notifications for each important news! Sign up HERE! Become a fan of RB Leipzig! The promotional text appeared on the club’s fan platform, underscoring the media buzz surrounding the winger.

A few days earlier, journalist Nicolo Schira claimed that Fiorentina were preparing a loan offer with an obligation to buy, contingent on certain conditions. He said the Italian side had envisaged a contract of at least four years for the Diable Rouge, and that RB Leipzig would retain a percentage of any future resale.

The same claim resurfaced on social media, where a post read: “#Fiorentina are ready to submit a bid to #Leipzig to try to sign Johan #Bakayoko on loan with the obligation to buy… contract until 2031 (1+4). Leipzig will also have a % on the future sale.”

Philipp Hinze, journalist for Sky Sport Germany, refuted the story, stating “At the current time, we cannot confirm a transfer of Johan Bakayoko to Fiorentina. There is no negotiation between the two clubs and the Belgian has found no agreement with the Italian club.” According to Hinze, both sides have not exchanged any discussion on the matter.

Hinze added that Bakayoko “had a good discussion with RB Leipzig, which counts on him. The club plans, in broad terms, to keep him.” He warned that the player’s situation must be monitored closely during the summer window.

Since arriving from PSV Eindhoven, Bakayoko has struggled at Leipzig, scoring only three goals and failing to regain the confidence that made him one of the most dangerous attackers in the Netherlands. Transfermarkt data shows his market value fell from €45 million in May 2024 to €20 million today.

Leipzig’s contract with Bakayoko runs to June 2030, and the club insists he is not transferable. The winger’s price would exceed €20 million, and Leipzig’s primary objective is to retain him, though the final decision also depends on his own will.

A new club could offer Bakayoko a fresh start if an offer finally reaches the table, and fans are invited to subscribe to the Walfoot newsletter for further updates.