It’s a testament to the foundations laid by energy drink giant Red Bull that their footballing ventures continue to produce world-class talent.
Their Austrian squad, Red Bull Salzburg, has been a breeding ground for emerging young talent looking to make their mark in Europe.
Sadio Mane spent two years at the club before his move to Southampton and finally to Liverpool, where he became one of the best winger in the world, meanwhile winning a Premier League and Champions League title. Most of their emerging talents take the next step on their trip to Germany with RB Leipzig.
Officially known as RasenBallsport Leipzig, the club was founded in 2009 and has quickly climbed the German football pyramid, with recruits from Salzburg playing a crucial role.
The two players who have most impressed since their move from Austria are Naby Keita and Dayot Upamecano.
The latter remains at the club now after becoming a crucial first team player under Julian Nagelsmann and is a reported transfer goal for Manchester United while the former currently is for Liverpool.
Upamecano, 21, started in Leipzig’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and his impressive form was recognized with a promotion to France’s senior national team.
Speculation has been rampant over his future, with United reportedly in the market for a new center-back to partner with Harry Maguire. The position of Leipzig is clear, Upamecano is not for sale as he signed a new contract only two months ago. However, that deal reportedly contains an exit clause that could leave them unable to prevent his departure.
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Such a situation is not new for Leipzig, as Keita left under similar circumstances. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was eager to sign the midfielder but was unwilling to meet their protagonist’s Leipzig assessment. Keita’s contract allowed interested parties to sign him for just £ 48m, far less than the Bundesliga’s claim of over £ 100m, but was only active in the following season.
Klopp faced intense competition to sign Keita with Bayern Munich, who is believed to be preparing a move for the Guinea international. Bundesliga champions regularly have the pick of the best talent on offer in Germany and a transfer to the Allianz Arena seemed like a formality if they had agreed on compensation with Leipzig.
However, Liverpool used a transfer tactic that United could use with Upamecano. United’s rivals agreed to an agreement in principle for Keita one year before the activation of the aforementioned exit clause, agreeing to pay a small premium in addition to the contracted rate. In doing so, they ensured that the likes of Bayern and any other interested parties couldn’t beat them to his signature when it would be available for a fraction of its value. Keita played the season in Leipzig before sealing his move to Anfield a year later.
Various reports in Germany state that Upamecano could be available for just 50 million euros (44 million pounds) next summer, a bargain considering its current capabilities and potential. Unsurprisingly, Bayern Munich remain on the hunt for his signature and may choose to activate that clause to refresh the four sides next season. While it could be argued that United need a player of Upamecano quality right now, trying to secure an early deal like Liverpool did for Keita could prove to be a masterstroke.
US Executive Vice President Ed Woodward has already warned supporters that transfers of large sums of money are unrealistic given the current state of the financial climate following the coronavirus pandemic. However, by delaying the deal by a year, United’s revenue streams may have returned thus improving their financial situation. Plus, it gives the Reds more time to carve out their squad to fund new arrivals.
If Upamecano were to maintain his current performance levels and earn a place on the French squad for next summer’s European Championship, you may have a hard time finding a club not interested in signing him. United should ensure that any potential suitor will be disappointed by concluding a deal as soon as possible.
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