PSV Eindhoven's Johan Bakayoko has an absolutely smashing 2023/24 campaign, bagging 13 goals (on an xG of 9.9) and adding 10 assists (on an xAG of 9.7) and making a name for himself enough to be named to Belgium's EURO 2024 squad that summer.
By comparison, 2024/25 was a bit of a down year, although he still scored 11 goals (on an xG of 7.9), although his 2 assists (on an xAG of 5.8) were down a bit. Both seasons saw PSV win the Eredivisie.
The 22-year-old is the exact type of player that Everton should be targeting to add to the right side of their attack. He's young, has shown the ability to score goals, and he's been a part of a winning culture for the entirety of his short professional career.
Bakayoko has the ability to play with both feet, and so while he's primarily been used as a right winger, where Everton would get the most out of him, he can join Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil, and Charly Alcaraz as versatile attacking pieces the Toffees could use in varied positions on the pitch.
But outside of Ndiaye, Bakayoko would be significantly more dynamic than any of the other options that Everton currently have in place. The Belgian is pacy and progressive, showing a willingness to cover defensively if called upon.
And as of right now, he won't be terribly expensive, especially if you consider his age and opportunity to continue to grow and improve. He's also entering the final year of his contract, so it's possible that PSV will look to sell him this summer instead of lose him for nothing next year.
There was reportedly a deal in the works between Bakayoko and Newcastle United in January that fell apart, and Liverpool were sniffing around during that period as well, but nothing appears to be imminent for the summer.
With all that in mind, Everton should step in and see if they can make the move happen before anyone else gets involved. If the player wants to move to the Premier League, the Toffees can offer him immediate first-team football and a chance to prove himself in the English top-flight.