With reports that Chelsea and Liverpool are among a growing list to take an interest in Niklas Sule, we shed some light on the German centre-back.
With reports that Chelsea and Liverpool are among a growing list to take an interest in Niklas Sule, we shed some light on the German centre-back.
On the continent, Sule has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and Inter, while domestically Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are reported suitors.
And it appears he already turned down the chance to make a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, judging from what the player’s agent told Bild.
So who is the man at the centre of a tug-of-war between European footballing elite? Here is all you need to know about him ahead of a potential switch to Premier League…
Profile
A product of 1899 Hoffenheim academy, Sule actually started his youth career at Eintracht Frankfurt before switching to the SV Darmstadt 98 in 2009 and then eventually moving to Hoffenheim, where he now calls home.
He very quickly rose through the ranks of academy football and was granted his debut at the tender age of 17. His rapid ascension for club has parallels to his progression for his country and as well as being being fast-tracked to the first-team, Sule has represented Germany at every available age group and was capped for the senior squad in a friendly against Finland.
The following 2013-14 season saw Sule begin to establish himself as a first-team regular under Markus Gisdol, making 25 appearances for Hoffenheim in all competitions.
The towering defender was waylaid by ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in December 2014, but he made a full recovery to start 33 games for Hoffenheim during the last campaign, while a return to fitness also meant a return to the Germany Under-21s side.
Sule has already racked up 79 club appearances for 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, while he also impressed during this summer in the Olympic Games, picking up a silver medal with Germany unable to defeat hosts Brazil in the final.
Information
Name – Niklas Sule
Age – 21
Position – Centre-back
Club – 1899 Hoffenheim
Birthplace – Frankfurt, Germany
Height – 6 ft 5 in
What he said
On rejecting overtures from abroad: “Here I have my usual environment, the proximity to my family in Frankfurt,” Sule told Bild. “To develop myself, I need playing time and a coach who trusts me. I have that in Julian Nagelsmann. He knows me well and knows where and how he can make me better.”
Style of play
Standing at 6 ft 5 in, Sule is a throwback to the towering figures who came to bullyopposition attackers of yesteryear. He is far more than just your archetypal centre-half. His strength and aerial prowess are obvious advantages to his play and it is his physical and aggressive style that lead many to believe he would thrive in the Premier League.
Sule is reknowned for his timing in the tackle, and this, in addition to his imposing stature and his reading of the game, has gained the German international a host of new supporters. His mental resolve and fortitude also stand the fledgling talent in good stead; with only four yellow cards to his name last season he demonstrates a maturity beyond his years as opposed to the impetuous nature of many young burgeoning talents.
For a big man, his technical attributes are outstanding and he is calm and composed with the pass at he fee, and he has averaged 90% passing accuracy.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
