Reported Liverpool target Aster Vranckx has agreed a record-breaking move to VFL Wolfsburg, as reported by the Bundesliga outfit’s official website.
Has the footballing world ever seen such a remarkable array of teenage talent?
In an era when Ansu Fati, Pedri, Jamal Musiala, Gio Reyna and Mason Greenwood are shining week in, week out at some of the biggest clubs on the continent, an 18-year-old Belgian is starting to make a name for himself too thanks to his domineering performances at the heart of KV Mechelen’s midfield.
Not that Vranckx has long left in the Jupiler League.
Wolfsburg have announced they’ve signed the highly rated Belgium U19 international, with Vranckx set to link up with Oliver Glasner’s side when the 2020/21 season ends.
“VfL are a great club who have always been able to develop young players in the past,” explains Vranckx, who will no doubt plan to emulate Kevin De Bruyne in the iconic green shirt of the 2009 Bundesliga champions.
“Young players at Wolfsburg have excellent opportunities to take the next step and I’m already looking forward to being part of the team from next summer.”
VfL sporting director Marcel Schafer added: “We’re very pleased Aster is going to strengthen us from next summer and that we’ve been able to tie him down long-term.
“He’s a very talented player who became a first-team regular for Mechelen at the age of 17 – and he can operate in different roles in midfield. He’s fully on board with the path we want to follow at VfL and it’s going to be fun working with him and developing him.”
It is uncertain how much Woflsburg have paid for the teenager, though Mechelen claims the midfielder has just become the most expensive export in their history (EN24).
The Mirror, however, suggests Vranckx was valued at about £1.5 million when Liverpool and Manchester City were first linked earlier this year.
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