Brighton & Hove Albion, along with Italian giants Lazio, have set their sights on Montpellier youngster Ryan Bakayoko, who has emerged as one of the club’s brightest youth products in recent seasons.
The 19-year-old center-forward is part of French club’s B side that currently plays in the fourth tier of the French football league system. He has turned out to be a priceless addition to the team, having belted in 8 goals and registered one assist in 13 matches so far, since his move from the ranks of Nimes two years ago.
Occasione per la Lazio: seguito Ryan Bakayoko del Montpellier https://t.co/HZXmQT3Tyx #transfermarkt #bakayoko #bakayoko ##Lazio
— Transfermarkt.it (@TMit_news) January 24, 2022
According to reports from French outlet FootMercato, his displays have lured the attention of Lazio and Brighton, and a free transfer is being touted by the watchful clubs. The report mentions an additional unnamed French club keeping close tabs.
Out of contract at the end of the season, he is yet to renew his contract with the southerners, as he is also yet to train with the senior team. The versatile Ivorian can operate in a variety of roles in the final-third – from a pure in-the-box striker to playing on the wings.
The Biancocelesti are said to be closely scouting the talented teenager in a bid to lure him at the end of the season on a free transfer.
He is the nephew of former Montpellier, Everton and Marseille striker Ibrahima Bakayoko, who made his mark on the European stage more than a decade ago.