Johan Bakayoko’s RB Leipzig future in doubt as winter transfer becomes possible
Johan Bakayoko could leave RB Leipzig during the winter transfer window, with the Bundesliga club reportedly prepared to consider offers for the Belgian winger. A player once strongly backed for a move to Leipzig by Jürgen Klopp has struggled to establish himself, and his limited role under coach Martin Demichelis has raised fresh questions about his future.
According to Bild, Leipzig would not stand in Bakayoko’s way if he wishes to depart in January. No potential destination or interested club has been identified, so a transfer remains a possibility rather than a confirmed outcome. Still, the report points to a significant change in the club’s stance toward a player who arrived with high expectations.
Limited playing time puts Bakayoko’s place under pressure
Bakayoko has found opportunities hard to come by amid strong competition for Leipzig’s wide attacking positions. At present, he has been unable to move ahead of younger options including U21 international Brajan Gruda, Tidiam Gomis and Andrija Maksimovic. With several players competing for the same roles, the Belgian has slipped down the pecking order.
His most recent competitive appearance came in early September, when Leipzig lost 3-1 to Werder Bremen. Across all competitions this season, the 23-year-old has made only three appearances, totalling 144 minutes. He has yet to score or provide an assist during that limited playing time.
Those numbers make it difficult for Bakayoko to build momentum or make a sustained case for a starting place. For a winger, regular minutes can be especially important: attacking players often need repeated opportunities to develop combinations with teammates, find rhythm in one-on-one situations and contribute consistently in the final third. Without that continuity, a move elsewhere could become an attractive option for both player and club.
Why has Johan Bakayoko been left out of Leipzig’s squad?
Since the Bremen defeat, Bakayoko has alternated between the substitutes’ bench and the stands. He was also left out of the squad for Leipzig’s 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, a decision that prompted Demichelis to refer to disciplinary reasons.
The coach did not disclose what had happened, describing it as a private matter between himself and the player. “He made a small mistake. But that stays between us. We spoke to each other and he trained as normal on Sunday. I’ve already forgotten what he did. The matter is settled,” Demichelis said.
Bild has reported that Bakayoko arrived late for mandatory appointments in Leipzig on several occasions. The account has not been confirmed in detail by the club, but it has reportedly contributed to internal concerns about the winger’s focus. Demichelis’ comments suggest that the immediate issue was resolved, although repeated absences from matchday squads have left uncertainty over Bakayoko’s standing.
Being omitted from a squad does not automatically mean a transfer is imminent. Coaches may make selection decisions for a range of reasons, and Demichelis has publicly indicated that the disciplinary matter is settled. However, when limited minutes, competition for positions and questions about commitment coincide, speculation about a player’s longer-term future is likely to grow.
From Klopp-backed signing to a difficult Leipzig spell
Leipzig signed Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2025 for a reported €18 million. At the time, Jürgen Klopp was working as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull and was said to have pushed for the Belgian’s recruitment. The transfer reflected the club’s belief that Bakayoko could bring pace, direct running and attacking quality to its forward line.
So far, however, the winger has not delivered the impact Leipzig hoped for. In his first season at the club, he scored three goals in 22 competitive appearances. That return, combined with his current lack of playing time, has left him short of the attacking influence expected from a player signed for a substantial fee.
There is still time for Bakayoko to change the picture. He remains under contract until 2030, giving Leipzig a degree of control over any potential transfer and leaving room for the player to fight for a role. A strong run of training, improved consistency and a return to the matchday squad could alter the conversation before the January window opens.
Winter transfer prediction: a move is possible, but the details remain unclear
The current situation makes a winter transfer plausible, particularly if Bakayoko continues to receive few minutes and Leipzig believes another option better suits Demichelis’ plans. A temporary loan could give the winger a chance to play regularly, while a permanent sale would allow Leipzig to reshape its squad and potentially recover part of its investment. At this stage, though, there is no reported buyer and no indication that a deal has been agreed.
Any transfer decision will likely depend on several factors: whether Bakayoko wants to leave, what role Leipzig can offer him, and whether a suitable club is prepared to meet the financial terms. His contract length may strengthen Leipzig’s negotiating position, but a lack of first-team football could also make a temporary solution practical for all parties.
For now, Bakayoko’s immediate challenge is to turn a difficult spell into an opportunity. Leipzig’s crowded wing positions and the reported disciplinary concerns have complicated his path, but his talent and previous reputation remain part of the picture. The coming weeks could determine whether he earns another chance—or whether a winter transfer becomes the clearest route back to regular football.
