French midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko, 31 years old, accepted the possibility of playing for Corinthians. The player is free on the market after leaving PAOK, from Grécia. Ele closely followed the performance of Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard at the São Paulo club and expressed interest in playing for Brasil.
The information was released by journalist Bruno Andrade, from ESPN. Bakayoko fits the profile sought by the Corinthians board. The club prioritizes experienced athletes, free on the market and with salaries below R$800,000 per month.
Corinthians evaluates midfield reinforcement
The Corinthians board demonstrated formal interest in hiring the midfielder. Bakayoko has played for major European clubs. Ele served on Rennes, Monaco and Lorient, on França. Na Inglaterra, wore Chelsea’s shirt. Na Itália, went through Milan and Napoli.
The Frenchman defends the idea of playing in Brazilian football. Ele noted the positive impact foreigners have had on Timão recently. The expectation is that a possible deal will happen without transfer costs, as he is without a club.
- Player Perfil: defensive midfielder with international experience
- Salário projected: below R$800 thousand monthly
- Current Situação: free agent after PAOK
- Previous Clubes: Chelsea, Milan, Monaco, Napoli
- Idade: 31 years old
Saída of André can lead the way
Corinthians understands that it needs to negotiate the departure of André to enable the arrival of Bakayoko. The 19-year-old midfielder has a contract until December 2029. Transfermarkt values the young man at 16 million euros. Ele attracts attention from European clubs.
The sale of André would free up space on the payroll and in midfield. Bakayoko would arrive as a more experienced option. The Frenchman played in competitive leagues and has played in national and continental championships.
Carreira from Bakayoko in European football
The steering wheel started its trajectory at Rennes. Depois, transferred to Monaco, where he stood out. Chelsea paid top dollar for it in 2017. Lesões and competition limited his playtime on Inglaterra.
Empréstimos and transfers took him to Milan and Napoli. Last season, he was at PAOK, from Grécia. Bakayoko has played through different styles of play. Ele adapts to systems that require physical strength and marking.
The 31-year-old player has already shown his willingness to change countries. Interest in Brasil represents a new stage in your career. Ele sees Corinthians as an opportunity to play important minutes on the field again.
Expectativa from the fans and next steps
The Corinthians fans react positively to the possible arrival. Muitos see Bakayoko as a reinforcement capable of providing balance to the midfield. The club is going through a period of reformulation in its squad.
The board continues to analyze the business. Qualquer hit depends on the output of André. The Frenchman remains in contact with representatives and awaits a decision. The transfer market remains open for adjustments until the end of the window.
Timão seeks to remain competitive in Brasileirão and other competitions. Occasional Reforços like Bakayoko help balance experience and youth in the group.