Davie Selke - 'Why on earth is he moving there' or 'Actually, makes quite a bit of sense'?

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. 

All things considered, it is a controversial move that makes sense for all three parties. Right now, neither party however knows whether they've made the correct decision.

Joshua Kimmich | Scouting Report | Stärken und Schwächen | Joshua Kimmich Scouting

Joshua Kimmich

Name: Joshua Kimmich

Club: RasenBallsport Leipzig

Position: Def Midfielder  

Age: 19 (08 February, 1995)

Nationality: German

Height: 1.76 m

Weight: 70 kg

Key attributes: Tackling,  passing, composure

        

 

 

 How it all started

            On January 2nd, the news broke that Bayern München would be signing RB Leipzig's Joshua Kimmich in the summer. A player, both Pep Guardiola and Matthias Sammer desperately wanted. The fee, believed to be around €7m, will go to VfB Stuttgart however, who will be making use of their buy-back-option. Leipzig will be left with a fee of €1.5m. With this transfer, Joshua Kimmich essentially will become the most expensive player ever at that level. 

But who is this kid? Joshua Kimmich was born in Rottweil - a town around 50 miles from Stuttgart - on February 8th, 1995. With this close vicinity to Stuttgart in mind, it comes as no surprise that he joined the academy of the Swabian Bundesliga club aged 12. His development at the club and his progress through the youth teams was always of a rapid nature. Joshua Kimmich generally seemed to be at least one year ahead of everyone else - playing under 17 Bundesliga (South/South-West division) aged 15; and under 19 Bundesliga (SSW) aged 17. Thomas Sinz, who is in charge of one of DFB's many specialised training bases, and who watched Joshua Kimmich closely from the ages of 11 to 15 said about the player: "From day one, Joshua was extremely driven and motivated, in every session. In my opinion, it was obvious early on that he would become a professional player. He was always determined, confident, but still helpful and down to earth." Years have passed, yet the focus on confidence in Joshua Kimmich's game and development has not vanished. Speaking about his move to Bayern he stated: "You certainly have to have the confidence, to make it there [Bayern] long-term. And I have this confidence."  

Big developments waited for the player in 2013. First, Joshua Kimmich completed his transfer to RB Leipzig in July of 2013, then he was awarded with the prestigious Fritz-Walter-Medal (given to the best young talents) in silver in the under 18 division. While he was now a Leipzig player, Stuttgart were smart enough to insist on a buy-back-clause, which in hindsight turned out pretty well. 

His time at RB Leipzig and style of play

Joshua Kimmich's stint in Saxony was one of many triumphs. Immediate first team football, admittedly for a third division club; promotion to 2. Bundesliga in 2014; won the under 19 European Championships with Germany and another Fritz-Walter-Medal (bronze in the under 19 division). Can't ask for much more. Even though Leipzig is a club with big ambitions, coach Zorniger trusted young Joshua Kimmich entirely from the start. The player made mistakes, yet also impressed with technique and determination.  

In terms of style, Joshua Kimmich is a defensive midfielder that likes to get involved in attacks as well. Be it for the German youth sides or Leipzig, Joshua Kimmich likes to drive forward, have shots and play final balls. In both sides however, he is allowed to do so due to the dominance of the team, as well as additional defensive cover. At Leipzig, he is often partnered with Rani Khedira - another defensive midfielder. In possession and going forward, Joshua Kimmich is easy on the eye. He possesses good technique, can dribble with the ball and has both, the vision and ability for incisive passes in the final third. The greater part of his work however is done a bit further back. Right in front of the back four to be precise. In possession, he is the first option for the keeper or the centre backs. While defending, he knows how to position himself to approach tackles efficiently or to recover loose balls. His speed helps him to correct mistakes or to get out of situations he has brought himself into. It also has to be praised that Joshua Kimmich does not hide, as he is always available for passes, nor does he shy away from tackles. 

RB Leipzig	Kimmich
Duels win rate	52%
Touches	72.1
Passes (open play)	50.5
Pass %	74.5%
Goals	0
Shots	1.0
Assists	1
Key Passes	2.6

Strengths

• Passing range and vision - Kimmich's passing range is more than adequate for a defensive midfielder - especially his ability to spot a pass in the final third. His pass completion rate of only 74.5% is heavily linked to Leipzig's aggressive and direct style of player.
• Tackling - While he is not the most physically imposing player, he still uses his body well and is aggressive in the tackle.
• Composure - Mostly highlighted in the early stages of an attack. Even when put under pressure, he remains calm and plays simple football.

Weaknesses

• Consistency- As with any young player, consistency is key and can become an issue from time to time.   
• Physique - He is not the tallest nor strongest DM and it has to be seen how he fares against fiercer and better opposition

Conclusion

Joshua Kimmich's move to Bayern is nothing but a logical consequence of his talent and development. Even though competition is high at Germany's best team, you can expect him to nail down a place in the long run. Interestingly, his biggest competitor might be Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who is just a couple of months younger than Kimmich. Right now, he is part of that amazing class of '95, which has produced players like Max Meyer, Leon Goretzka or Serge Gnabry. In the summer, he too will join them at the elite level.