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Bakayoko Says Klopp Conversation Sealed RB Leipzig Move

The Belgium winger highlights a development-first pitch under Red Bull's recruitment structure ahead of Leipzig's trip to Bayern.

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Johan Bakayoko moved from PSV Eindhoven to RB Leipzig in summer.

Overview

  • Johan Bakayoko said a one-to-one talk with Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull's head of global football, was the decisive factor in joining RB Leipzig.
  • The 22-year-old completed a July switch from PSV for a reported €22 million after interest from Everton and Nottingham Forest.
  • Bakayoko recounted Klopp's message that Leipzig would make him better and needed him, describing the discussion as focused on football and fit.
  • He said teammate Xavi Simons is staying professional despite reports linking the forward with an €80m move to Chelsea.
  • Leipzig open the Bundesliga away to reigning champions Bayern Munich on Friday, with Bakayoko in contention after preseason integration.