Anderlecht has reportedly added Tiemoué Bakayoko, a French midfielder who previously played for Chelsea, to their target list, according to multiple Belgian media outlets. The 27-year-old, currently with Saint-Étienne, is under consideration as the Belgian club seeks midfield reinforcement ahead of the 2023-24 season, though no official offers have been confirmed.
The report first emerged from VoetbalNieuws.be, which cited unnamed sources within Belgian football circles. VoetbalPrimeur.be later corroborated the information, noting that Anderlecht’s technical director, Franky Vercauteren, has been monitoring Bakayoko’s performance at Saint-Étienne. Anderlecht-online, the club’s official platform, has not yet commented on the speculation.
Who is Tiemoué Bakayoko?
Bakayoko, born on August 29, 1996, in Paris, France, began his professional career at Monaco before joining Chelsea in 2018 for a reported fee. During his four seasons with the Premier League club, he made 105 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. However, his time at Chelsea was marked by inconsistent form and competition for midfield spots, leading to loan spells at AC Milan and West Bromwich Albion.
In 2022, Bakayoko moved to Saint-Étienne on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract. The 2022-23 Ligue 1 season saw him regain consistency, with 32 league appearances, 15 starts, and two goals. His physicality, passing accuracy in Ligue 1, and ability to transition between defense and attack have drawn attention from European clubs, including Anderlecht.
Why Anderlecht? What does this mean for the club?
Anderlecht, Belgium’s most successful football club with 34 league titles, is seeking to strengthen its midfield ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. The club’s current midfield includes veterans like Yann Mvila and emerging talents such as Dodi Lukebakio. However, questions have arisen about depth and creativity, particularly after the departure of key players like Mvila in 2023.
Franky Vercauteren, Anderlecht’s technical director, emphasized the need for “versatile, high-energy midfielders” in a recent interview with Anderlecht’s official website. Bakayoko’s profile aligns with this philosophy, offering defensive solidity and the ability to progress the ball. His experience in top European leagues and international caps (25 for France) further enhance his appeal.
What about Saint-Étienne’s stance?
Saint-Étienne, currently 11th in Ligue 1, has not indicated any immediate plans to sell Bakayoko. The club’s president, Gérard Lopez, recently stated that the team aims to “retain core players” amid financial constraints. However, the club’s financial situation remains precarious, with a reported debt as of 2023, according to Ligue de Football Profession
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