Callum Hudson Odoi’s impressive showings of recent, in particular against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspurs, sums up why talented youngsters are in such high demand. “We really want to sign him. He has qualities that fit our team. He can dribble and has a drive towards goal. He has lots of potential,” Bayern’s director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic said of a potential switch from England’s first division to the Bundesliga giants for Odoi. If rumours are to be believed, Chelsea’s asking price for a youngster who is promising, no doubt, but has only made 3 Premier League appearances, is around £35m. But Bayern’s surprising willingness to comply seems to have revealed a change in investment strategy for Europe’s elitist teams, which could remain for decades to follow. Rather than signing players perfect for now or just about entering their prime, they have opted to acquire future prospects specifically in the age bracket of 22-24. In doing this, players are given two or three years to adjust to the system, as well as time to develop their raw ability. Because most massive teams have respectable academies as well, assuming investments are made in the market, teams could become major forces to be reckoned with. If the club strategists play their cards right, a mix of youth, as well as youngsters who have been bought can bond and become one deadly team. This acquisition strategy doesn’t necessarily have to apply only to Bayern but all of the game’s iconic teams. It is inevitable that some players will fail — or rather not live up to the hype, but a mix of good investment and stable supply of academy graduates shouldn’t be too difficult a task for any European powerhouses. Referring back to the potential fee of Odoi’s transfer, Bayern, it seems, will be charged a premium price, albeit for one of England’s biggest talents. One wouldn’t be ridiculed to expect more of this, should, and when, bigger teams begin to refocus investment on developing footballers.
Published in Daily Times, January 20th 2019.