Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool & Barca To Battle For ‘New’ Eden Hazard
Spanish giant Barcelona have entered the race to sign PSV teenage star Zakaria Bakkali with a potential move imminent this January.
The Belgian youngster has been linked to host of top European clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. Atletico Madrid were said to have inquired of the player during the summer transfer window but couldn’t get their target.
Barcelona are however believed to have jumped the queue to sign the attacking midfielder whose contract with PSV expires next summer and a move in the January transfer window has been muted.
PSV are resigned to loosing the youngster this January as they will risk loosing him on a free at the end of the season something PSV’s sporting director thinks is a terrible decision.
“Of course it’s bad for the club. He said
“But I think it’s actually worse for the player himself.
It is a shame that a young player with talent does not choose the right path.
“People might think I am naive but I don’t blame the guy or his father.
“The problem is that Zakaria is getting influenced by everything and everyone around him.”
The player has not been the best of himself after the end of last season raising speculation he is trying to force a move. The player’s behaviour has not been the best the club would require of him. He has only made off the pitch headlines by his behaviour and reluctance to sign a new contract.
The player looks to have people around calling the shot for him and the club will be force to selling the youngster who broke through their youth team- Jong PSV.
Barcelona have emerged favourite to land the 18-year-old and will want to use him as a replacement for Juventus target Pedro.
Premier league quartet of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool could also be monitoring the situation of the player, while Atletico Madrid could well return for the player they were linked to all summer.
Chelsea could use the prospect of playing with his country men Eden Hazard, Thibaut Coutios and in future Thorgan Hazard to lure the player to Stamford Bridge but Barcelona will still remain the favourite to get his signature.
At just 18-years of age, the decision as to where the player will finally ply his trade will depend on his agent and the cabal calling the shots for him.
Bakkali has all the confidence in the world to become one of the best in his position. Many who have watched him play describe him as the – new – Eden Hazard.
He has the same pattern of play as the Chelsea star. Full of running with a quick out-bust of pace when turning and changing direction. He is very fast and quick, technically gifted, strong on the ball and also has keen eye for goal.
He still need to be nurtured though, to realise his full potentials. He will suit the Barcelona style of play as he can operate from the flanks and can support the attack as well as the central midfield. He will be a big asset, one for the future for any club that finally land him and a great loss to PSV who will watch one of their prized asset leave the club again.