Germany is one of European football’s powerhouses, with a grand reputation for producing some of the finest young talents in football.
From Mesut Ozil to Leroy Sane, there are a number of fantastic German footballers currently plying their trade in the Premier League. There are also a number of top signings from the Bundesliga now playing in England, including Roberto Firmino, Son Heung-Min and Vincent Kompany.
Cardiff don’t have the best track record of German players; Jörn Schwinkendorf is the only German to make more than one appearance for the Bluebirds.
That doesn’t mean that we should disregard Germany in the January transfer window, though. In fact, we think there’s some great talents to pick up. So does Travis Timmons, a writer and Bundesliga expert, who spoke to VFTN to recommend current Bundesliga players at right-back, centre-midfield and up top that Neil Warnock can target in January.
Right-back – Danny da Costa (Transfermarkt valuation – £8million)
Currently plying his trade for Einracht Frankfurt, Da Costa is an athletic full-back who can defend well. He’s had a stellar season so far for Frankfurt, having previously turned out for giants Leverkusen.
Travis: “Da Costa is a 25 year old German who’s been with the high-flying Eagles for 1.5 seasons so far (previously at Leverkusen). He’s a very physical, yet fast fullback, who excels defensively. At this point in this career, he’s probably hoping for last chance at a big jump.”
Centre midfield – Ondrej Duda (Transfermarkt valuation – £8million)
A Slovakian international, Duda has been in impressive form for club side Hertha Berlin so far this season. He’s currently experiencing his best ever goalscoring season, with six goals so far in 2018-19.
Travis: “The 24 year old is having what looks like a career year at Hertha, scoring 7 goals so far. The Slovakian is a very physical player and handy free kick taker.”
Striker – Ishak Belfodil (Transfermarkt valuation – £7million)
A former France youth international, Belfodil is now an Algerian international who currently plays for Hoffenheim. He almost became a Premier League player, with Everton close to signing the striker last January.
Travis: “The 25 year old Algerian has played 900 minutes this season, scoring 5 goals with 1 assist. Belfodil is a technically skilled dribbler and passer in the box, and is still recovering his career trajectory after an aborted transfer to Everton and a long-term injury last season.”