On deadline day, we covered claims from both the Dutch and Belgian press explaining that PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko has turned down Brentford after they reportedly tabled a €40m bid to sign him.
It was also stated the winger had serious doubts over joining the Bees and wanted to stay, in order to play in the Champions League this season with PSV.
Speaking to NOS, the player explained why he snubbed Brentford in order to continue at the Eredivisie side.
“Even if they had offered €100m… I want to stay at PSV. We want to become champions of the Netherlands and get as far as possible in the Champions League, that was always my focus,” he said, as quoted by Voetbal Krant.
PSV sealed a berth in the Champions League group stage after overcoming Rangers in the play-offs last week and this played a key role for the player in his decision to reject Brentford.
The Belgium international’s decision to snub Thomas Frank’s side has not pleased former PSV star Ibrahim Afellay, and he’s of the belief the Eindhoven club should have forced the winger to accept a move to Brentford.
“As management, you could have said to Bakayoko: we are going to get Lozano, your chances of playing time are diminishing. Especially when you get an offer like that, €40m. Then you actually have to take him away yourself,” Afellay told Studio Voetbal, relayed by Voetbal Primeur.
Bakayoko has registered five assists from eight games this season, after managing nine goals and six assists from 39 games last season.
