Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2026 after Michael Edwards sent scouts to watch the Frenchman in action in the Bundesliga.
A player that Hugo Ekitike knows well, Bahoya could help spark Arne Slot’s big-money attack into life. The Dutchman was handed a spending spree of more than £400m in the summer as the Reds broke their transfer record twice to welcome Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
So far, however, they’ve yet to see the fruits of their labour. Liverpool have been handed four defeats in their last four Premier League games and have looked a shadow of the champions that they became last season. Their crown hasn’t just slipped, it has disappeared entirely.
Out of the big signings, only Ekitike has truly made his mark – scoring six goals in 13 games – while Isak and Wirtz have continued to struggle.
Having his say on his side’s recent struggles, Slot admitted that it’s not surprising that change has disrupted Liverpool, but he did not expect to lose four games in a row.
“We don’t compete up there because we simply concede too many goals.
“If you change quite a lot during the summer, then I think it’s not a surprise that it can go a bit like this, but I didn’t expect it to go with four losses in a row.
“It’s always a bit of a bumpy road. I don’t know if that has been seen as an excuse, but from the last six games we’ve played, it’s been five away.”
Nonetheless, Liverpool simply have to pick themselves up and go again on the pitch. Meanwhile, it’s up to Edwards and Richard Hughes to find some balance for Slot’s side, which could see Bahoya arrive from Frankfurt when 2026 arrives.
Liverpool scouts spot key Bahoya and Ekitike partnership
As reported by Anfield Watch, Liverpool sent scouts to watch Bahoya whilst also watching Ekitike last season – taking note of how impressive the duo were when working together. In the end, the Reds welcomed just Ekitike in the summer, but they could now return for his former teammate.
Whether it’s Cody Gakpo, Wirtz or Isak, so much of Liverpool’s attack centres around forwards who prefer the ball to feet rather than runners in behind. And that’s why Bahoya would make such a difference to Slot’s side.
After clocking a record speed of 37.16 km/h in the Bundesliga this season, it’s clear that the Frankfurt winger would add some much-needed directness to Liverpool’s frontline – the kind that Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane added in the past.
A record speedster would also be arriving just when Mohamed Salah begins to slow down. In comparison, the Egyptian’s average speed in the Champions League this season has been 34.29 km/h.
The 20-year-old isn’t just about speed, either. So far this season, he’s been involved in four goals in 12 games, with three goals and one assist in all competitions. A rapid, young winger, Bahoya stands out as another top talent emerging from Frankfurt.
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