Even though
it was announced on April 1st, David Selke is indeed going to move to Leipzig
at the end of the season. While it may not be the most important or stunning
transfer, it certainly is a controversial one. After all, a young and promising
player is moving from a revitalized Bremen side, to mega-rich Leipzig - a 2.Bundesliga
side. More importantly, a 2.Bundesliga side that will most probably remain a
2.BL side. While they are still in the race for promotion, Selke is consciously
moving to a club that will not be in the top flight next year. So then; Why on
earth is he moving there?
But let's
discuss the clubs first. The move makes sense for both sides. For different
reasons, of course. Bremen, financially not in a very comfortable position,
will get a more than decent fee; believed to be around €8m plus potential
success related bonus payments. In turn, they lose a player that has shown
promise and quality, but that is also still incredibly young and whose peak is
too far away from now. Only in September, Selke agreed to a contract extension
until 2018. Back then, he was already much sought after due to his stellar
performances at the under 19 Euros. It is entirely possible that even back in
September, Bremen and Selke used this contract extension as an exit strategy.
If it works out, Bremen and the player get the big money move, if not, the
player still has the security of a long-term contract. Win-win. With 2018 in
mind, Selke would still be only 23, it is questionable whether Bremen would
ever be able to receive such a healthy fee. Especially not in relation to
possible risks like injuries or the player simply not reaching his potential.
As Bremen's general manager Eichin stated, the offer was "very
attractive". He is right.
For
Leipzig, a lot of the same reasons and arguments apply. High-potential player,
young, will do even better in 2.Bundesliga etc. All that without the financial gamble.
While the fee is high, money really isn't an issue for the club promoting
energy drinks. With Bremen, rejecting the fee would have resulted in anxious
years, hoping for Selke to prove them right. With Leipzig, it will be more
hopeful. High reward vs. acceptable loss. While the signing of Selke primarily
is one for on-pitch-issues, it also sends a signal throughout Germany. 'We are
not afraid to spend big and we are able to attract the best young talent'.
After they initially decided to go their own way, RB Leipzig's transfer
strategy is moving ever closer to the one of Hoffenheim - back when they were a
2.Bundesliga side. Omer Damari for €7m, Massimo Bruno for €5m and Selke for
€8m. The rumour mill also has it that they've already agreed a deal to take Corinthians'
talent Malcolm. It is a definite change in strategy. One that must have
appealed to Selke - as they are essentially building a team that should be a
lock for promotion next season.
Finally,
let's discuss the move from Selke's perspective. He has signed for 5 years
until 2020. Even though Leipzig aren't a leading club at the moment, he must
have great confidence that they will move towards that during those 5 years.
What maybe cannot be ignored is that Davie Selke used to play for Hoffenheim. A
team that has managed what Leipzig are attempting. A further factor would be
that the man in charge of Hoffenheim then, plays a huge role at Leipzig now -
Ralf Rangnick. Coming from him, the sales pitch must have been quite easy.
While the player is moving backwards now, comparing the potential of both
clubs, he is probably moving in the right direction. While fans may not like
it, it is a move that makes sense - as long as Leipzig make the next step soon.
What also speaks for Selke's decision is that he's only playing his first full
season of Bundesliga football.
A detour to a lower league, for one year,
especially with the high upside in mind, might not seem that unattractive to
him. It would certainly be different for an older, more established,
potentially even internationally active player. Selke however is still just a
prospect. This very fact may also be the last factor in his decision making. Football
is his job. And while the football romantics among us still believe players
should play for the love of the game alone, they actually have to make rational
decisions as well. As mentioned, he's inexperienced and has no idea how good
he'll eventually be. Moving to Leipzig is a safe bet. Contract over five years,
certainly on significantly higher wages than at Bremen. An investment in the
future and an insurance against injuries, loss of form or more generally, not
reaching his potential.
