Leipzig Put Johan Bakayoko On The Market Ahead Of January Transfer Window

RB Leipzig are prepared to part ways with Johan Bakayoko during the January transfer window, with the Belgian winger's situation showing little sign of improvement.

According to Sky Germany, the German side is open to selling the 23-year-old for offers starting at approximately €11 million to €12 million. However, a loan move is currently considered the more realistic scenario given the conditions of the winter transfer market.

The development follows reports from October suggesting that Bakayoko could become a candidate for a January departure if his situation at the club did not change significantly.

That scenario has now materialised, with Leipzig ready to explore potential solutions for the former PSV Eindhoven attacker.

Leipzig Set Asking Price For Bakayoko

Leipzig has reportedly established an initial valuation of between €11 million and €12 million for Bakayoko, although that figure represents the starting point for negotiations rather than an agreed transfer fee.

The club would prefer to secure a permanent departure, but finding a buyer willing to meet their financial demands in January could prove difficult.

Consequently, a loan agreement is currently viewed as the more likely outcome.

Such a move could allow Bakayoko to secure regular playing time elsewhere while allowing the Red Bulls to reassess his future at the end of the season.

There is currently no confirmation of a formal offer from an interested club.

Bakayoko Struggling For Opportunities Under Demichelis

Bakayoko's position has become increasingly complicated by the competition for attacking places in Martín Demichelis's squad.

Antonio Nusa has established himself as one of Leipzig's most influential players this season, recording four goals and six assists in his opening eight Bundesliga appearances.

Brajan Gruda has also been receiving opportunities in the starting eleven, while Tidiam Gomis and Christopher Nkunku provide further alternatives across the attacking positions.

With Rômulo occupying the central striker role, Demichelis has several options when selecting his forward line.

Bakayoko has struggled to establish himself within that competition, leaving his prospects of regular football uncertain.

The Belgian's situation is particularly frustrating given the expectations surrounding his arrival from PSV, where his performances had established him as one of the Eredivisie's most promising attacking talents.

There are also clear indications that Bakayoko's lack of playing time is not simply a consequence of competition for places, but reflects sporting decisions made by Demichelis.

With Leipzig competing across the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal, opportunities for rotation remain available. However, Bakayoko's continued exclusion suggests that he has fallen out of favour for sporting reasons, while the club's willingness to consider a departure further underlines his uncertain future.

Salary Structure Could Influence January Move

Sky Germany also reports that Bakayoko earns a basic annual salary in the low single-digit millions of euros.

His contract includes performance-related bonuses that can significantly increase his earnings.

However, the Belgian missed out on a substantial additional payment last season because he did not accumulate sufficient playing time to activate the relevant clause.

That salary structure could become an important consideration during January negotiations, particularly if Leipzig pursues a loan agreement.

For sporting director Marcel Schäfer, the priority will be finding a solution that makes sense financially without unnecessarily weakening Demichelis's attacking options.

The club and Bakayoko now enter the final weeks before the winter transfer window, knowing that the Belgian's future at the club is increasingly uncertain.