Erik ten Hag’s plans for an attacking revamp at Manchester United have taken a fresh hit after reports emerged that Johan Bakayoko, one of the club’s summer targets, has instead agreed to join RB Leipzig — the Bundesliga side now managed by Jurgen Klopp. The highly-rated Belgian winger, also on the radar of Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, has chosen the ambitious Leipzig project, leaving United and several Premier League clubs frustrated in their attempts to secure one of Europe’s most exciting young wide players.
Bakayoko’s rise has been rapid and impressive. The 21-year-old PSV Eindhoven star enjoyed a standout season in the Eredivisie, registering double figures in both goals and assists while dazzling defenders with his direct dribbling and intelligent movement. His performances did not go unnoticed, drawing scouts from across Europe, but it was Manchester United who had been tipped to be in pole position for his signature for months.
Erik ten Hag, familiar with Bakayoko’s profile from his time managing Ajax, viewed him as a perfect fit for his attacking blueprint at Old Trafford. United’s right flank has long needed fresh impetus, with inconsistency from Antony and Jadon Sancho’s unresolved future adding urgency to the search for a dynamic winger. Bakayoko’s ability to stretch play, beat full-backs and contribute goals would have addressed a glaring gap in Ten Hag’s squad.
However, United’s hesitancy in negotiations appears to have cost them dearly. While Old Trafford chiefs wrestled with their limited transfer budget and potential outgoings needed to raise funds, Leipzig acted decisively. With Jurgen Klopp surprisingly taking the reins at Leipzig after his emotional departure from Liverpool, the German coach’s pulling power proved decisive in convincing Bakayoko to choose the Bundesliga club.
For Klopp, Bakayoko represents the ideal injection of youth, flair, and tactical versatility as he embarks on his first project since ending his nine-year stint at Anfield. Leipzig have already carved out a reputation for developing young talent and selling them for hefty profits, and Bakayoko’s addition reinforces their commitment to an attacking, high-energy style that mirrors Klopp’s philosophy.
The player himself is said to have been swayed by Klopp’s direct involvement in negotiations. Reports suggest the German coach held multiple video calls with Bakayoko, outlining his plans to make him a central figure in Leipzig’s attack. Unlike United’s drawn-out approach, Leipzig moved swiftly to agree terms with PSV and finalise personal details, leaving other suitors — including Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth — trailing in their wake.
Bayer Leverkusen, fresh from their historic Bundesliga title win under Xabi Alonso, were keen to strengthen their wide options with Bakayoko. Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth also made inquiries, hoping the promise of Premier League football would be tempting. But neither could match Leipzig’s clear vision and Klopp’s magnetic pull.
For Erik ten Hag, this is another frustrating setback in what has already been a challenging window. The Dutchman’s own future was the subject of intense speculation earlier in the summer, and though he has since been backed to continue, recruitment has proven tricky. Financial constraints due to FFP concerns, the need to offload fringe players, and a lack of Champions League football have all combined to complicate United’s summer plans. Missing out on Bakayoko adds pressure to find alternatives quickly, especially with pre-season underway and a squad still lacking cutting edge in the final third.
There will now be fresh scrutiny on United’s transfer strategy. Questions will inevitably be asked about why the club was once again unable to act decisively in the market, despite clear interest and a willing manager. Critics will point to this as yet another example of the club’s muddled recruitment approach, which has seen high-profile misses in recent years.
Meanwhile, for Leipzig and Klopp, this coup is a statement of intent. After a mixed season that saw them finish behind Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, Leipzig are desperate to close the gap at the top. Klopp’s arrival has already reignited excitement among fans, and the acquisition of Bakayoko will only add to the optimism that the club can challenge domestically and make a deeper run in the Champions League.
Bakayoko’s decision is also telling about the changing dynamics of European football. Young talents are increasingly seeing Germany’s top clubs — and the Bundesliga in general — as fertile ground for development, first-team opportunities, and exposure to elite European competition. While the Premier League remains attractive, the appeal of working under managers like Klopp in a well-structured, forward-thinking environment cannot be underestimated.
As the dust settles, United must regroup and identify alternative targets. Ten Hag still has gaps to fill and limited time to do so. For Bakayoko, a new adventure under Klopp awaits — and if he continues his trajectory, it will be United fans left wonderin
g what could have been.
