New Wolfsburg signing Aster Vranckx has confirmed he turned down the chance to join a “European superpower” amid claims Liverpool wanted the KV Mechelen starlet, speaking to Het Laaste Nieuws.
Perhaps Kevin De Bruyne’s rise to the top of the game acts as an inspiration for this teenage midfielder. There are certainly worse players to see as a role model.
De Bruyne’s move from Genk to Chelsea in 2012 felt like a classic case of ‘too much, too soon’ and it took a step backwards via a move to Germany for arguably the planet’s finest playmaker to make a name for himself.
After just one, spectacular season at the Volkswagen Arena, Manchester City came calling with a £57 million deal.
And Vranckx will hope he can follow in the footsteps of his compatriot after agreeing to join Wolfsburg in the summer.
“I didn’t just want to be a bargain for a European superpower. Wolfsburg really has a plan for me,” the Belgium U19 international explains, suggesting the chance to play regular first-team football in Germany was a big draw.
“I believe in my qualities and am ambitious. Next season, I want to play as soon as possible.”
Liverpool and Manchester City were linked, via The Mirror. But it was Wolfsburg who took the plunge, paying an initial £7 million fee. It’s one that makes Vranckx the most expensive export in Mechelen’s history.
“We quickly had the feeling Wolfsburg really wanted Aster. This feels good,” adds his agent, Peter Verplancke. “This is the right step for him.
“Top European clubs were also interested, but Aster didn’t want that. ‘I’m not going to a club like that now, am I?’ he asked me. That is what typifies him.
“He did not want to become the plaything of a top club.”
Vranckx knows if he sparkles in the green of Wolfsburg, those “top clubs” will come calling again in the future. There’s no rush.
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