Bundesliga or Championship: Which would be a good move for Arsenal's Super Eagles-eligible striker?

The transfer window is an avenue of opportunities for players around the world. For youngsters who are close to their club's first team, it is an important time to make decisions on their career progression.

 

One of such youngsters is Arsenal's Super Eagles-eligible striker Folarin Balogun. The 21-year-old striker is classified as one of the best youngsters looking to stake a place in the senior set-up from the Hale End Academy.

 

When he was loaned to Middlesbrough in the second half of the 2021/2022 season, he performed admirably, playing twenty-one games in all competitions for Boro whilst scoring three goals and setting up three others in 1,078 minutes of action.

 

However, his chances of getting the required game-time needed for his development are slim as the Gunners have already signed Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus and renewed Eddie Nketiah's contract.

 

It is obvious that another loan is needed for Balogun and this time a full-season loan would be better.

 

However, he has been linked with a move to either the German Bundesliga or the EFL championship.

 

Since transfer moves are decided by both the decisions of the club and player, should Balogun push for a loan to the Bundesliga or the Championship?

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at the situation to arrive at a verdict on which decision the striker should take.

 

The purpose of a loan is to get a player valuable game-time in a similar set-up where he can hone his skills.

 

This means that Balogun has to prioritize a move to where a similar set-up to Mikel Arteta's preferred one is used so as to maximize his chances of breaking into the Spaniard's future plans.

 

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal now plays a Juego De Posición tactical set-up which focuses on precise build-up play and requires a specific skill set from a striker.

 

A striker in Arteta's set-up must be great at linking play, running the channels, pressing, counter-pressing, holdup play, and finishing.

 

This is why Jesus was signed as he is a player Pep Guardiola once referred to as the best in the world at pressing. The EFL championship does not offer this sort of environment as it is more focused on physicality.

 

However, the Bundesliga offers very much what is needed. Teams like RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Frankfurt, Dortmund and so on practice positional play.

 

They are also quite known for developing youngsters into capable seasoned professionals. Jadon Sancho is a testament to this.

 

It makes sense for Balogun to join the Bundesliga if the opportunity presents itself as it gives him the best chance of developing the way Mikel Arteta wants.

 

Sofoluwe Mayowa

 

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