Johan Bakayoko has no future at RB Leipzig. The 23-year-old winger is expected to leave the club after a disappointing spell and disciplinary issues. The squad, currently 5th in the Bundesliga with 12 points, has found its rhythm on the pitch without him.
Bakayoko arrived in the summer of 2025 for a transfer fee of €18 million from PSV Eindhoven. Although his contract runs until 2029, he has never managed to establish himself on the pitch. In his first season, he scored just three goals in 22 league matches. This campaign, he has made only three appearances. His last outing was on 10 September in a defeat to Werder Bremen. He was omitted from the squad for a victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on 10 October.
Manager Martin Demichelis confirmed at the time that disciplinary reasons were behind the decision. He indicated the player had made a mistake, but the matter was settled. Behind the scenes, however, there are reports of a lack of professionalism from the player, who is said to have been late for training on several occasions.
Strong competition on the wings
Bakayoko's sporting prospects are slim in any case. On his flank, established players are competing for starting spots. The RB Leipzig squad currently sits in a mid-table position in the Bundesliga and has recovered well with two consecutive wins. The team is in good form, having won three of its last five matches, with two defeats. The most recent result was a 2-1 win at Rot-Weiß Essen on 27 October, following a 4-0 victory over SV Elversberg on 24 October. This leaves them just five points behind leaders Bayern München in the standings.
The Belgian was once a favourite of Jürgen Klopp, who is said to have convinced him to move to Leipzig in a conversation. Bakayoko failed to translate that endorsement into consistent performances on the field. His focus during matches was often considered erratic. While Die Roten Bullen remain in the title race and have scored 20 goals this season, Bakayoko is now seeking a new sporting home. The club, meanwhile, prepares for the trip to Gelsenkirchen aiming to extend their current run.
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