Arne Slot eyes double Liverpool transfer audition with first signing already ‘approved’

Matthew Cooper & Ed Syers

17 June 2024 at 4:29 am·2-min read

Liverpool can keep an eye on reported target Johan Bakayoko when he showcases his skills against Slovakia in Belgium's Euro 2024 opener today.

The 21-year old PSV Eindhoven sensation won applause last season with his stunning performances, netting 12 goals and assisting nine times in his 33 league appearances and leading PSV to a seven-point victory over Arne Slot's Feyenoord for the Eredivisie title.

Reports surfacing from Belgium back up the talk that Liverpool are interested in the young winger, seeing him as a long-term successor of Mohamed Salah, and the club's new head coach Slot has already given his seal of approval. However, the Reds will reportedly have Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig to contend with for the player's signature.

Reserving comment on his future, the young star told Dutch daily Het Belang van Limburg earlier this month: "The only thing I can say is that next year I will be on a football pitch somewhere."

Burnley had approached Bakayoko for a transfer to Premier League last summer, a call enthusiastically supported by his countryman Vincent Kompany. But Bakayoko decided to stick with PSV instead.

Talking about that call, Bakayoko said: "I received a call from Kompany last year, indeed." And he added: "He then explained his vision. That was nice. I clarified my view. It was a good conversation, but that was last summer."

Bakayoko won't be the only man in action on Monday who could interest Liverpool. David Hancko, a defender who worked under Slot at Feyenoord last season, has plenty of admirers this summer. The 26-year-old has confessed to being a Liverpool fan while his agent has previously confirmed the Reds' interest in him, even revealing the club 'made contact' over a transfer last summer.