Bayern Munich are closing in on the capture of West Ham prodigy Benicio Baker-Boaitey, who was also courted by Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
According to The Sun, Bayern Munich are in pole position in the race to sign Benicio Baker-Boaitey. The West Ham prodigy is expected to travel to Germany this week in order to hold talks with the German giants to seal a move to the Bundesliga.
Bayern, however, were not the only club chasing Baker-Boaitey, with Manchester United also courting him along with the likes of PSG and Premier League champions Liverpool. But the player, it seems, has chosen Bavaria to be his ideal destination, with the club set to pay West Ham around £230k as training compensation.
Baker-Boaitey did actually have the chance to sign a professional contract with West Ham at the start of next year, when he turns 17. But it was declined and he will instead spend the week deciding the best option, as he seeks to take the next step in his career.
The youngster reportedly preferring Bayern Munich over Manchester United is a shocker, however, given how much commitment the Red Devils have shown into the development of their young players, especially following the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian has always remained outspoken about his ambition to build his Manchester United around young, British talents – an intent which was echoed in the club’s acquisition of players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James as well as the development of Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams.
Bayern Munich, however, have also focused more on their youth development in recent years, moving away slightly from their usual policy, which has met widespread criticism. As a result, the record Bundesliga champions have shown a greater ambition in signing young talent from outside the league.
The Premier League, in particular, has been a standout, with players like Jadon Sancho, Jonjoe Kenny and Ademola Lookman moving to the Bundesliga in search of regular football.
Although Baker-Boaitey will not be considered for Bayern’s first-team, he will be a part of an exciting Under-19 team that has produced a host of quality talents over the past few years. And the club’s willingness to give young players opportunities guarantees him some vital prospect of succeeding in the German top flight in the years to come.
