Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has confirmed that numerous clubs are interested in signing 19-year-old winger Woo-yeong Jeong.
Bayern Munich’s tradition of promoting youth players into the first team has faded a bit in recent seasons. Die Roten have struggled to promote youth players in recent seasons for various reasons. David Alaba was the last Bayern academy product to make the jump, with Thomas Muller being the last before him.
There are several talented, young players in the current reserves squad at Bayern, many of whom could soon become first team regulars. Woo-yeong Jeong is the most talented player of his age group. The South Korean made his debut for Bayern’s first team earlier this season when he came on as a second-half substitute against Benfica in the Champions League.
Due to his excellent performances with the Bayern reserve squad this season, there is a growing interest in the teenager from numerous clubs. Speaking to AZ (via Bulinews), Uli Hoeness admitted that there are close to five clubs interested in signing the South Korean in summer. The Bayern president insisted a move away will help the teenager develop well. The Bavarians are interested in a loan deal or a sale with a buyback clause, rather than a permanent transfer.
"“I think five clubs are interested in him.“A loan deal or a sale with a buyback option give the youngsters the best chance to develop.”"
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Jeong was recently praised by Bayern’s youth director for his excellent work with the second team. He insisted that the South Korean has all the necessary qualities to make it in the Bundesliga. The 19-year-old has shown that he is now too good for the youth level, so the next step in his development is getting more minutes with the first team.
Jeong will struggle to get the minutes necessary for him to develop in Munich. Die Roten are going to invest heavily on a wide player — or two — in the summer. This will further limit the opportunities for Jeong, making a move away from the club more sensible for the youngster.
Bayern highly rate Jeong, so the club is not ready to completely cut ties with him. They will instead be hoping that he joins Bundesliga club in order to gain experience in the league.
Bayern Munich need to find the right pathway for youngsters such as Jeong. A tie-up with a smaller club would be the perfect way to get many of these talented teenagers some first team minutes. There were reports last season suggesting Bayern want to start a cooperation with PSV Eindhoven for young players. However, there have been no sign of progress in this area.
Die Roten are set to enter a new era next season as several veteran players will leave at the end of the current campaign. The German club will focus on building a younger squad in order to compete on all fronts for the next several years. Instead of simply focusing on buying young players, though, the Bavarians should also focus on promoting from their own academy.