Sturm Graz manager Fabio Ingolitsch is unfazed by recent reports linking midfielder Luca Weinhandl with top Premier League teams.
Sturm Graz have a major talent on their hands in Luca Weinhandl, who is only 17 and already admired by several top clubs across Europe and England. The teenager is also a first-team regular, having played nearly 35 matches for the senior side, including several games in Champions League qualifying.
Weinhandl primarily operates as a central midfielder but is also capable of playing in wider positions, depending on the system and tactical demands. His ability and potential have attracted considerable attention, with several Premier League clubs monitoring him ahead of January.
Recently, there have been reports linking Arsenal and Aston Villa with Weinhandl, with the 17-year-old wonderkid viewed as someone who could flourish in England in the near future.
Weinhandl is considered a player who could be closer to first-team football than academy-level development, making him an appealing target for both clubs. Sturm Graz believe they have a valuable prospect on their hands and will want to maximise his market value.
Fabio Ingolitsch responds to Weinhandl links
Sturm Graz manager Fabio Ingolitsch insists, “We don’t care,” when discussing recent reports linking Weinhandl with Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Aston Villa. His comments, published by Krone, showed that he remains unfazed by the “rumours” surrounding the 17-year-old wonderkid, while also speaking highly of the player’s talent.
Ingolitsch said, “These days, you can put so much information into someone that all sorts of rumors are formed. We couldn’t care less. We know what we have in Luca, that he’s a highly talented player who, at 17, plays as if he’s already played countless international matches. A very special lad, we know that, and yet we can all put it into perspective and are very happy that he’s with us. He will help us immensely this year.”
While Ingolitsch insists that they do not care, there could be something developing behind the scenes that might put Sturm Graz in a powerless position. The midfielder’s rise to prominence is not something that will go unnoticed, and interest from clubs such as Arsenal and Aston Villa is hardly surprising.
From the player’s point of view, he could also be tempted by the prospect of joining either club, given their stature. He would understand that immediate first-team football may not be guaranteed, but that is a risk a player of his profile might be willing to take to secure a dream move to the Premier League if those clubs approach.
